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What is the ruling on descending upon both hands and knees together in prostration, and what is the ruling on joining the feet together in every prostration?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Scholars have differed on how to descend for prostration (sujood). Some say one should descend on the knees (the majority), while others say one should descend on the hands (Malikis). The difference is concerning what is preferable, and the prayer is valid in all cases. As for separating the feet during prostration, most scholars consider it commendable, while some consider joining them commendable. The matter is broad. There is no harm in adjusting the legs and widening them when standing, and the Sunnah is to keep a slight separation between them. Whoever is unable to weigh the different opinions in matters of disagreement should follow a scholar whom they trust.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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