- The permissibility of teaching by practical demonstration, for such instruction remains more firmly fixed in the learner’s mind.
- The permissibility of performing an act of worship for the sole purpose of teaching. This is not a case of mixing intentions in a blameworthy way, because the primary motive behind the prayer is the intention to teach—and teaching is an act of devotion just as the prayer itself is an act of devotion.
Hadith Eleven
ʿAbdullāh ibn Mālik, known as Ibn Buhayna (may Allah be pleased with him), reported that the Prophet ﷺ, whenever he prayed, would spread his arms apart in prostration until the whiteness of his armpits became visible. (1)
Overall meaning
The Prophet’s prayer ﷺ was marked by eagerness and vigor, each limb receiving its proper share of worship. Hence, when he prostrated he would separate his arms, and he did so to such an extent that the whiteness of his armpits could be seen. All of this signified vitality in prayer and a keen desire for worship, in contrast to the posture of a sluggish person who keeps his limbs bunched together to spare himself effort.
Points derived from the hadith
- The hadith indicates that this posture in prostration—keeping the upper arms away from the sides—is recommended. Muslim recorded, in the hadith of al-Barāʾ traced back to the Prophet ﷺ, the words: “When you prostrate, place your palms on the ground and raise your elbows.” The wording in the present hadith is general, whereas the narration of al-Barāʾ is specific; therefore, the general wording is interpreted in light of the specific, confining the separation of the arms to the state of prostration.
- This practice contains many wise purposes and great benefits, among them:
– Displaying energy and eagerness in prayer;
– Ensuring that every limb involved in prostration bears its due share of worship.
Additional note
Some jurists—including the Ḥanbalīs—restricted this ruling to men and exempted women, because women are instructed to draw themselves together and maintain modesty. Abū Dāwūd relates in his Marāsīl that the Prophet ﷺ passed by two women who were praying and said, “When you prostrate, draw some of the flesh of your body to yourself, for in this matter the woman is not like the man.”