What is the ruling concerning prostrating on an elbow rest (Mirfaqa) or similar support?
Chapter on the Times When Prayer is Prohibited
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
Prostration on an elbow rest is permissible, favored over pointing by Ahmad, according to one narration, and also deemed permissible by Ishaq, Shafi'i, and the People of Opinion (Ahl al-Ra'y). Umm Salamah performed prostration on an elbow rest. The justification for permissibility is that the individual has performed the maximum achievable descent.
Supporting text
Ibn Mas'ud disliked prostrating on a stick, stating that pointing suffices instead. A view against using a raised object states it is invalid because the object is bearing the weight, similar to prostrating on one's hands. Furthermore, Ahmad expressed that prostration on a fan (Marwah) is not permissible.