The Sunnah Method of Sitting on the Heels Between the Two Prostrations
Based on: Fatawa of the Scholars of Hadith, Kitab al-Salah, Vol. 1
❖ Question
Is it Sunnah to sit between the two prostrations with both feet upright, toes facing the Qiblah, and seated on the heels?
❖ Answer
Yes, sitting in this manner between the two Sajdahs is a Sunnah practice.
❖ Supporting Evidence
This posture is established in Sahih Muslim:
“مسلم، المساجد، باب جواز الاقصاء علی العقبین“
This refers to the permissibility and practice of sitting on the heels (العُقُبَين) during the pause between the two prostrations.
The described method includes:
✔ Both feet upright, not laid down
✔ Toes pointing toward the Qiblah
✔ Body resting on both heels
This posture is known as Iftirāsh or sitting on the heels and is among the authentically transmitted forms of sitting in prayer.
❖ Summary
✔ Sitting on both heels, with toes directed toward the Qiblah, between the two prostrations is a Sunnah.
✔ This method is authentically proven in Sahih Muslim.
✔ It is a recommended posture that aligns with the Prophetic practice.
