Source: Fatāwā Muḥammadīyah, Vol. 1, p. 351
If during prayer the forehead (forepart of the head) is covered with a cloth, turban, handkerchief, or something similar, does this affect the validity of the prayer? Please explain in light of Qurʾān and Ḥadīth.
(Questioner: Ḥāfiẓ Muḥammad Muṣṭafā, Kamalia)
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd:
This is a matter of scholarly difference, with two opinions:
According to Imām Ibn Abī Shaybah, the following scholars held that prostrating on a turban or similar covering is valid:
(Nayl al-Awṭār, 2/290)
Imām Abū Ḥanīfah (رحمه الله) also held this view. (Nayl al-Awṭār)
The following Companions and scholars held that the forehead must directly touch the ground without any barrier:
(Nayl al-Awṭār, 2/290)
According to stronger research:
✔ Sujūd is valid in both cases (whether directly on the forehead or over a covering).
✔ However, placing the forehead directly on the ground without any barrier is better and more virtuous.
هٰذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
Question:
If during prayer the forehead (forepart of the head) is covered with a cloth, turban, handkerchief, or something similar, does this affect the validity of the prayer? Please explain in light of Qurʾān and Ḥadīth.
(Questioner: Ḥāfiẓ Muḥammad Muṣṭafā, Kamalia)
Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd:
This is a matter of scholarly difference, with two opinions:
① First Opinion — Sujūd on a Covering Is Permissible
According to Imām Ibn Abī Shaybah, the following scholars held that prostrating on a turban or similar covering is valid:
- ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn Zayd
- Saʿīd ibn al-Musayyib
- al-Ḥasan al-Baṣrī
- Abū Bakr al-Muzanī
- Makḥūl
- al-Zuhrī
(Nayl al-Awṭār, 2/290)
Imām Abū Ḥanīfah (رحمه الله) also held this view. (Nayl al-Awṭār)
② Second Opinion — Direct Contact of the Forehead Is Required
The following Companions and scholars held that the forehead must directly touch the ground without any barrier:
- ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (رضي الله عنه)
- ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar (رضي الله عنهما)
- ʿUbādah ibn al-Ṣāmit (رضي الله عنه)
- Ibrāhīm al-Nakhaʿī (رحمه الله)
- Muḥammad ibn Sīrīn (رحمه الله)
- Maymūn ibn Mihrān (رحمه الله)
- ʿUmar ibn ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz (رحمه الله)
- Jaʿdah ibn Suhayr (رحمه الله)
(Nayl al-Awṭār, 2/290)
Preferred Opinion
According to stronger research:
✔ Sujūd is valid in both cases (whether directly on the forehead or over a covering).
✔ However, placing the forehead directly on the ground without any barrier is better and more virtuous.
References for Further Study
- Subul al-Salām (1/182)
- Zād al-Maʿād (1/59)
- Nayl al-Awṭār (2/290)
- Fatḥ al-Bārī (1/245)
- Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (1/53)
- Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim with Sharḥ al-Nawawī (1/225)
هٰذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
