What is the difference between prostration (sujud) and bowing (ruku')?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Linguistically, bowing (Ruku') is bending in such a way that an average-built person can touch their knees with their palms. It is not considered Ruku' unless it meets this description. The minimum acceptable for Ruku' is bending with the hands placed on the lower part of the thighs, such that the palms are close to the knees. As for prostration (), it is the direct contact of the ground with the seven limbs mentioned in the noble : "I have been commanded to prostrate on seven bones: on the forehead - and he pointed with his hand to his nose - and the two hands, and the two knees, and the tips of the two feet."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 69249
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy