5/21. Chapter:
Sunan Ibn Majah 891 — Balanced Sujood
Being balanced during prostration
Balanced Sujood and Not Spreading Arms
Sunan Ibn Majah : 891
Sunan Ibn MajahHadith Number 891
حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ أَبِي سُفْيَانَ، عَنْ جَابِرٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ " إِذَا سَجَدَ أَحَدُكُمْ فَلْيَعْتَدِلْ، وَلاَ يَفْتَرِشْ ذِرَاعَيْهِ افْتِرَاشَ الْكَلْبِ " .
Jabir Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When anyone of you prostrates let him be balanced in prostration, and not spread his arms as a dog does.”
[1] See no. 870, i.e., by placing his hands on the ground, lifting his elbows and not letting his stomach rest on his thighs. See explanation by Sindi.Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 891In-book reference : Book 5, Hadith 89English translation : Vol. 1, Book 5, Hadith 891
Summary of Sunan Ibn Majah Hadith 891
This Hadith teaches balanced sujood in a very direct way. Jabir reports that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said that when one of you prostrates, he should be balanced in prostration and should not spread his arms as a dog does. The focus is the shape of sajdah, especially avoiding a flat, spread-out arm position. The Hadith does not need a long outside discussion; its wording is practical and easy to understand. For readers searching for hadith about not spreading arms in sujood, this narration gives the core teaching: prostration should have balance, dignity, and a distinct prayer posture. This keeps the lesson close to the Hadith wording.
What we learn from this hadith
- A worshipper should be balanced in prostration.
- The arms should not be spread out like a dog in this narration.
- The Hadith teaches dignity in the body posture of salah.
- The instruction is short, practical, and easy to apply.
