['Aalim Network QR] Place of Sajda (Prostration)

["Akil M. Karim" <amk@io.org>]

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|       In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the All-Merciful       |\
|  Greeting of Allah be upon Muhammad and the pure members of his House |\
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Salamun `Alaykum

The following questions were kindly answered by Shaykh Hasnain. Note that
I have combined questions from two different individuals, as they
pertained to the same topic. 


Fee Amaanillah,

Akil Karim
Moderator - 'Aalim Network

---------- Forwarded Message ----------

QUESTIONS:

What kind of materials are allowed for the forehead in Sajda? Why is it
preferable to use the clay from Kerbala?  What is the basis for our
differences between other Muslims in this matter? Please provide a few
references. 

Is salat batil if prayed on a typical carpet or a sheet in a Sunni mosque
without a leaf or a napkin to do sajda on?  It is awkward to use these
things when praying with Sunnis in a Sunni mosque. 


ANSWERS:

With the Shi`ah Ja`feri "it is not valid to perform sajdah on anything
except on earth and those things which grow on it and are not used for
food or clothing" (Mughniyyah, The Five Schols of Islamic Law, Qum,
1995, p.80; also see Sayyid al-Seestani, Islamic Laws, Rule 1085). All
maraji` are of the opinion that it is best (afdhal) to do sajdah on the
earth from Karabla, "for it (act of worship) passes through the seven
veils, and illuminates the seven earths" (see. al-`Urwatul Wuthqaa, vol.
1, Qum, 1412,p.449). Several hadiths have been received from the Ahlul
Bayt (a) stating the merits of doing sajdah on the earth from Karbala
(turbat Husayniyyah). One such hadith says, "Perform prostration on the
grave of my grandfather, Husayn bin Ali. When a person offering prayers
performs performs prostration on that sacred earth, he pierces seven
veils" (Jihad and Shahadat, in the article "Shahid" by Shahid Murtada
Mutahhari, Huston, 1986, p.144). 

Other Muslims, of course, do not perform sajdah on the earth from
Karbala. Also, they are allowed to do sajdah on rugs and carpets. They
permit sajdah "on anything, including even a part of one's turban,
provided it is tahir" (Mughniyyah, p.81). However, we are not allowed to
perform sajdah on linen, rugs and carpets, except in case of idtirar
(exigency, emergency). 

According to late Ayatullah Sayyid Abul Qasim al-Khu'i (q.s.), however,
there is no problem doing sajdah on carpet with an intention of showing
discipline (biniyyati ta-addub) when praying with the Sunni brothers.
(Reference: Questions asked to Ayatullah by a brother from Mombasa on 22
Rajab, 1410). 

The shi`ahs are also allowed to perform sajdah on paper, because it is
made from things which grow on earth (Mughniyyah, p.81). Ayatullah
Seestani is of the opinion that paper made from cotton or flax can also
be used for sajdah. (Islamic Law, Rule 1091). 

God knows the best.

Hasnain Kassamali
Humble servant of the AhlulBayt (a)