In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

The Method of Sujud (In the Light of Hadith)

Do not gather clothes and hair during Sujud

Ibn ‘Abbas رضي الله عنه reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“I have been commanded to prostrate upon seven bones: the forehead, both hands, both knees, and the edges of both feet, and that we should not gather our clothes and hair.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

From this Hadith, it is understood that prostration upon the forehead alone is not sufficient; rather, both the forehead and the nose must be placed on the ground, as the nose is included with the forehead. Likewise, it is not correct to gather one’s clothes or hair during Salah in order to protect them from dust; they should be left in their natural state. والله أعلم

Raise the elbows during Sujud

Anas رضي الله عنه reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Perform Sujud with moderation, and none of you should spread his forearms on the ground like a dog.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

Al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib رضي الله عنه reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“When you perform Sujud, place your palms on the ground and raise your elbows.”
(Sahih Muslim)

‘Abdullah ibn Malik رضي الله عنه reported that when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ performed Sujud, he would keep space between his arms to such an extent that the whiteness of his armpits became visible.
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

‘Abd al-Rahman ibn Shibl رضي الله عنه reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade pecking like a crow, spreading the arms like a beast during Sujud, and reserving a fixed place in the mosque as a camel reserves its spot.
(Sunan al-Nasa’i, Sunan Abi Dawud)

“Pecking like a crow” refers to performing Sujud without calmness and composure. Therefore, Sujud should be performed with tranquillity. Reserving a fixed place in the mosque may lead to showing off or seeking recognition; hence it has been discouraged. والله أعلم

Supplication between the two prostrations

Hudhayfah رضي الله عنه reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say between the two prostrations:
“رَبِّ اغْفِرْلِیْ”
(Meaning: “My Lord, forgive me.”)
(Sunan al-Nasa’i)

Another Hadith states that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ would sit between the two prostrations for approximately the same duration as a Sujud. This practice is often neglected; however, if one adopts the habit of reciting this supplication between the two prostrations, the sitting will naturally take a duration similar to that of a Sujud.