Is Prostration Outside of Prayer Permitted? Check Out the Interesting Explanation from Buya Yahya!

Kapanlagi.com - Prostration is one of the inseparable essential elements in the worship of prayer. In his book, Sheikh Salim bin Sumair explains that there are seven body parts that must touch the ground during prostration, namely the forehead, both palms, both knees, and the tips of the toes. As the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

"I was commanded to prostrate on seven body parts, namely the forehead while he pointed to his nose, both hands, both knees, and the tips of the toes." (H.R. Imam Bukhari)

In his study, the caretaker of LPD Al Bahjah, KH Yahya Zainul Ma'arif, or commonly known as Buya Yahya, expresses that prostration is the most beautiful moment for a servant. In the position of prostration, the sincere servitude to the Creator is clearly visible.

"When we lower something that we have always revered and honored—namely our head and face—to the ground in front of Allah the Almighty, that is a very meaningful moment," said Buya Yahya in a video uploaded on YouTube Al Bahjah TV on Monday (10/2/2025).

Prostration is not just a movement, but an expression of humility and deep devotion to God, quoted from Merdeka.com from various sources, Tuesday (11/2/2025).

1. Prostration as Part of Worship

Buya Yahya emphasizes that prostration is an integral part of worship, and therefore it should not be done carelessly.

"Prostration is only for worship, so do not just prostrate without thought, it must be done carefully," he asserted.

He explained that the permissible prostrations include two prostrations in prayer, prostration of forgetfulness, prostration of recitation, and prostration of gratitude—all must be performed with the right intention and manner.

"Prostration of gratitude must be done with intention, not just a prostration without meaning," he added.

Thus, Buya Yahya reminds every Muslim to avoid prostration outside the contexts that have been established.

2. For Those Who Have Ever Prostrated Outside the Scholars' Guidelines

In a wise explanation, Buya Yahya reminds us that during prostration in prayer, we are in the moment closest to God.

He encourages us to increase our supplications during prostration, especially when praying alone.

However, when being an imam in congregational prayer, it is better not to prolong the prostration to avoid burdening other worshippers.

Buya Yahya also wisely addresses those who may have ever prostrated outside the guidelines, affirming that Allah is the Most Forgiving.

"If someone does not understand, do not worry, just continue the prayer. If you want to prostrate longer, do so with two long rak'ahs," he said understandingly. Wallahu a'lam.

(kpl/rao)