Exemption from Sujud

(Part No. 6; Page No. 437) Exemption from Sujud Fatwa no. 3956 A: I suffered some problems with my eyes. I underwent an operation one year ago and I am still suffering some problems when I put my forehead on the ground during prostration unless there is a cushion under my forehead. Is it permissible to put a cushion or something like that and put it under my forehead during prostration? Please guide me to the truth. May Allah reward you well!

A: If the reality is as you have mentioned, then you will not be required to perform prostration. Therefore, there is no need to put a cushion or anything like that under your forehead because it is not permissible to do so. Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that a sick person performed Salah (Prayer) on a cushion. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to him after throwing away the cushion: "Perform Salah on the ground if you can, and if you cannot then make (Salah by) gestures, and let your prostration be lower than your Ruku` (bowing)." This Hadith was reported by Al-Bayhaqy with a good chain of transmitters. However, Abu Hatim judge it as Mawquf (a Hadith narrated from a Companion of the Prophet).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.