Title: Gender-based Differences in Sala'h Question: It has come to my knowledge through Hadiths , from Bukhari , that our prophet Muhammad (PBUH), prohibited performing sujood as a dog would. I am a female and was told my method of performing salat was incorrect. I was taught by mother, who taught me especially during sujood I must draw my body close to myself, this method is apparently wrong according to al-Hadiths . If you could tell me if it is wrong how come most publications also demonstrate this wrong method? Where has it all gone wrong? To me this a very serious issue, if we are performing salat in a way our prophet Muhammad (PBUH), prohibited then it must be put right. S.B. HUSSAIN Answer: For my overall opinion regarding the issue, please refer to one of my earlier responses to a related question titled " Women's way of Prostration ". As far as the referred narrative is concerned, it does not relate to whether or not a woman should draw one's body close, while in prostration. On the contrary, the referred narrative specifically relates to stretching out one's arms when in prostration, as a dog normally does when it sits. According to the reporting of Bukhariy , Anas ibn Malik says that the Prophet (pbuh) said: Go into prostration (Sajdah) in a composed manner: you should not stretch out your arms, as a dog does. ( Kitaab al-Adhan , Narrative no. 779) As a principle, this narrative prescribes composure and taking a balanced stance during Sala'h . However, it should be realized that there can exist minor differences in what constitutes 'composure' and 'taking a balanced stance' during Sala'h . The Prophet (pbuh) has neither condemned nor discouraged such minor differences in Sala'h . The style of prostration, which you have described as one taught by your elders is the one preferred by the Hanafites (the followers of Abu Hanifah). According to one of the basic books of the Hanafites - Al-Mabsoot - it is reported that this style of prostration was recommended by Hadhrat Ali (ra), because, according to him, it was recommended by the Prophet (pbuh) for women. As I have explained in one my referred response, such minor differences in Sala'h are because of the reason that the Prophet (pbuh) did not strictly fix all minor elements of Sala'h to the last detail. In the case of these details, we should opt for the style, which we consider more humble, balanced, composed and, thereby, more in keeping with the basic spirit of Sala'h . I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad October 24, 2001