Question

Is there any proof from Hadith or from the statements of the Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum) or Tabi’un regarding the Hanafi method of Sajdah for females?

Answer

Hereunder are narrations on this topic:

1) The Tabi’i; Yazid ibn Abi Habib (rahimahullah) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) once passed by a two women who were performing Salah and said, “When you prostrate [make sajdah] then allow some of your flesh to touch the ground [i.e., Allow your body to remain close to the ground], for the [sajdah] of a woman differs to that of a man.”

(Al Marasil of Imam Abu Dawud: 87. The narrators of this Hadith are reliable. Also see: As Sunanul Kubra of Imam Bayhaqi, vol. 2, pg. 222-223)

2) Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said: “When a woman makes sajdah, she should draw herself close together and join her thighs.”

(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 2793. ‘Allamah Zafar Ahmad ‘Uthmani rahimahullah has declared this narration sound. i’laus Sunan, vol. 3, pg. 30-32)

3) Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) was asked regarding the Salah of a woman. He replied, “She must draw herself close together and contract herself.”

(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 2794)

4) Ibrahim An Nakha’i (rahimahullah) said: “When a woman makes sajdah, she should make her belly touch her thighs and she should not raise her posterior nor should she spread herself out like a man.”

(Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: 2798, Musannaf ‘Abdur Razzaq: 5071)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar