Correct Positioning of Hands and Elbows During Sujood in Salah

❖ Hadith References​

From al-Baraa’ رضي الله عنه:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“When you perform Sujood, place your palms on the ground and raise your elbows.”
Source: Muslim: 494

Narrated by Abdullah ibn Malik ibn Buhaynah:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ, during prayer, would keep his arms apart during Sujood to the extent that the whiteness of his armpits was visible.
Sources: Bukhari: 807, Muslim: 495

❖ Scholarly Insights and Rulings​

❖ Palms on the Ground, Elbows Raised:
This is the prescribed Sunnah position in Sujood: palms must be placed flat on the ground, while the elbows are to be raised and not touch the floor.

❖ Spacing Between Arms and Body:
During Sujood, a slight spacing between the arms and the sides of the body should be maintained. This posture not only reflects the humility and submission of the believer but is also a clear imitation of the Prophet ﷺ’s method.

❖ In Congregational Prayer:
While maintaining this posture, one must be mindful not to disturb fellow worshippers beside them, especially in tight spaces. The Sunnah is upheld without causing discomfort to others.

❖ Physical Description of the Prophet ﷺ:
It is authentically reported that the Prophet’s ﷺ armpits were white, which could be seen when he spread his arms during Sujood, indicating the openness of his posture.

❖ Conclusion​

The correct method of performing Sujood, as taught by the Prophet ﷺ, includes placing the palms firmly on the ground, while keeping the elbows elevated and apart from the body. Adhering to this Sunnah enhances both the physical and spiritual quality of Salah, and ensures that the prayer is in conformity with the practice of the Messenger ﷺ.