Be moderate in prostration, and let none of you spread his forearms on the ground like a d…

Islam > Hadiths > Jurisprudence and juristic principles > Jurisprudence and Juristic Principles

Hadith narrated by Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim

Authenticity grade : Authentic hadith

Updated on 24 September 2026 at 12:34 AM

📖 1 min read

Hadith text: Be moderate in prostration, and let none of you spread…

عن أَنَس بن مالك رضي الله عنه عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ: «اعْتَدِلُوا في السجود، ولا يَبْسُطْ أحدكم ذِرَاعَيْهِ انْبِسَاطَ الكلب».

Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Be moderate in prostration, and let none of you spread his forearms on the ground like a dog."

Explanation of the hadith: Be moderate in prostration, and let none of you spread…

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) ordered that moderation should be observed in prostration, in such a way that the one praying adopts a good posture in prostration, with his hands on the ground and his forearms lifted and kept away from his sides. This is because such a posture indicates the energy and eagerness required in prayer, and also because this good posture allows all the prostrating organs to have their share in worship. He forbade spreading the forearms in prostration because it is evidence of laziness and boredom, and it also constitutes imitating the dog, which is an improper imitation.

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