What is the recommended manner for placing the hands during prostration?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is recommended to place the palms flat on the ground, with the fingers held close together and pointing towards the Qibla. They should be placed level with the shoulders. This is the position of Al-Shafi'i, based on the report of Abu Humaid that the Prophet, peace be upon him, placed his palms level with his shoulders. However, it is also reported that Ahmad prayed with his hands level with his ears, and this was reported from Ibn Umar and Sa'id ibn Jubayr, based on the narration of Wael ibn Hujr that the Prophet placed his palms level with his ears when he prostrated, placing his face between his palms.
Supporting text
The perfection of prostration on the ground requires placing the entire palm surface, including the fingers, on the ground while raising the elbows. If only a part of the inner palm touches, it suffices. If the worshipper places only an amount of hand equivalent to the forehead's area, it suffices. If he places the back of his hands on the ground or prostrates on the tips of his fingers, it is superficially sufficient as he has prostrated on his hands.