Am I required to prostrate seven times to the Prophet (peace be upon him) when I supplicate?

It is forbidden to prostrate to anyone other than Allah, such as prostrating to the Prophet, peace be upon him, because it is major polytheism (shirk akbar). Worship must be directed to Allah alone, in accordance with His saying: "And that the mosques are for Allah, so do not invoke with Allah anyone." The Prophet, peace be upon him, also forbade exaggeration in praising him, saying: "Do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians exaggerated in praising the son of Mary. For I am only His slave, so say, 'Allah's slave and His Messenger.'"

The prescribed action is to invoke blessings upon the Prophet, peace be upon him, in supplication (Du'a). This begins with praising Allah, then invoking blessings upon the Prophet, peace be upon him, then making the supplication, and concluding with both. The form of invoking blessings upon him is: "O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You blessed the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. O Allah, grant favors to Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You granted favors to the family of Ibrahim. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious."