What is the ruling for a traveler who is walking regarding prostration?

Chapter on the Description of Prayer

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 2 · Bab 5

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If the traveler is walking, prostration must be performed upon the ground. This view is maintained by Abu al-'Aliyah, Abu Zur'ah, Ibn Umar, Ibn Jarir, and the Companions of the Opinion, based on the aforementioned Hadith and analogical reasoning (Qiyas).

Supporting text

Al-Aswad ibn Yazid, 'Ata', and Mujahid stated that the walker should only gesture (Ima') for prostration. 'Alqamah and Abu 'Abd al-Rahman acted similarly. Furthermore, Abu al-Hasan al-Amidi related that the walker performs voluntary prayer by gesturing for prostration and is not required to place his forehead on the ground, suggesting the ruling should be the same in this context.