Is prostration upon the nose obligatory?

Chapter on the Description of Prayer

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 6 · Bab 5

Open in Qurani

Primary text

There are two established transmissions regarding the obligation of the nose touching the ground during prostration. The first holds that prostration upon the nose is obligatory. This view is supported by the narration of Ibn Abbas where the Prophet indicated his nose when mentioning the seven bones, and another narration explicitly naming the nose among the seven parts. The second transmission states that prostration upon the nose is not obligatory. This is supported by the narration stating the command was to prostrate on seven bones without mentioning the nose, and by the narration that the Prophet prostrated with the high part of his forehead, which would mean his nose did not touch the ground.

Supporting text

Abu Hanifa held that if one prostrates on the nose but omits the forehead, it suffices. This view contradicts the sound Hadith and the consensus regarding the forehead's obligation.