The Elbow on the Ground
Question :

While doing the prostration in a prayer, is it prohibited or disliked (makrooh) to touch the elbow on the ground?

Answer :

It is permissible and not disliked.

The Big Toes During Prostration
Question :

In prostration, is it obligatory that only the big toes should be on the ground, not the smaller ones, so we should lift up the smaller toes?

Answer :

It is sufficient that the tip of the big toe is placed on the ground in prostration.

Not Being Able to Bend During Prostration
Question :

How can one offer the prayer if it is not possible for one to bend down in prostration?

Answer :

If prostration cannot be done as stipulated, based on compulsory precaution one can bend as much as possible and place the forehead on what is permissible to prostrate upon.

The Turbah Position
Question :

If I prostrate in prayers and the turbah happens to be slightly to the left or the right of the middle of my forehead, is my prostration valid? Or does it have to be exactly in the middle?

Answer :

In prostration, the exact middle of the forehead does not have to be on the turbah; it is sufficient that the turbah is placed slightly towards the right or the left.

Keeping the Shoes During Prostration
Question :

Is it permissible to keep our shoes on when we pray?

Answer :

It is a condition in the validity of the prayer to place the tip of the toes on the ground during the prostration.

The Dhikr During Prostration
Question :

I know that any dhikr in the state of Ruku and Sujood is sufficient, so is it permissible to recite the Takbir in Ruku and "Astaghfirullaha Rabbi Wa Atubu Ilaih" in Sujood?

Answer :

It is sufficient to recite the Takbir three times, and the phrase: "Astaghfirullaha Rabbi Wa Atubu Ilaih".

Reciting the Dhikr of Bowing in Prostration
Question :

If a person recites "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheemi wa Bihamdih" in prostration, while it is the dhikr for bowing, what is the ruling? Is the prayer annulled?

Answer :

If it is not intentionally then the prayer is still in order.

Closing the Eyes During Prostration
Question :

Is it disliked to close my eyes during prayer including during prostration and qunoot?

Answer :

It is not proven that such acts are disliked.

Reciting Istigfar
Question :

Do we recite ‘astaghfirullah rabi wa atubu ilayh’ after the first prostration only, or after both prostrations?

Answer :

It is reported in the narrations that it is recommended to recite the Istighfar after the first prostration. It is not reported that it is recommended to do so after the second prostration.

Reciting Takbeer After Prostration
Question :

Is it obligatory or recommended to recite the Takbeer after the first prostration, followed by "Astaghfirullah", and then the Takbeer again before the second prostration?

Answer :

The said are not obligatory, but recommended.

Sitting Position After Prostration
Question :

I read that in the sitting position of the prayer you should put your right foot in the sole of you left foot; when I do this I have lots of pain in my left foot. Can I sit in any other position to avoid pain?

Answer :

The said sitting position is recommended and not obligatory.

The Sitting After Prostration
Question :

I have seen some sitting in the prayers in a manner by which they lean on their left thigh and their right foot is placed vertically on their left foot in the direction of Qiblah. Is this position recommended or obligatory?

Answer :

The said posture is recommended.

Lifting the Head
Question :

Is it obligatory to lift my head first before the hands after sujood (prostration)?

Answer :

Not, it is not obligatory.

Prostration When Visiting the Shrine
Question :

Is prostration when entering the shrines of the Prophet and the Imams (peace be upon them) permissible?

Answer :

It is permissible to prostrate when entering the shrines of the Prophet and the Imams of the Ahlulbait (peace be upon them all) with the intention of thanking Almighty Allah for facilitating the visit.