How can the Hadith that commands prostration on seven bones, including the fingers, be reconciled with praying in sandals? And does this require bending the sandal or removing it in case of inability?
The obligation in prostration is for the tips of the feet to touch the ground, based on the hadith of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "I have been commanded to prostrate on seven bones: on the forehead — and he pointed with his hand to his nose — and the hands, and the knees, and the tips of the feet. And we should not tuck up clothes or hair." The command is fulfilled by the tips of the toes touching the ground, or by what covers the foot, such as a sock or shoe, and so forth. Praying in sandals is legislated, and it is not a condition for the validity of prostration that the foot be uncovered. If the worshiper is unable to bend their toes and face the Qiblah with their tips, their prayer is still valid.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/12575