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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Shiite Apologetics Question Nineteen Why do Shiites prostrate on Turbah? Answer: Some people think that prostrating on the ground while praying, or on martyrs tombs is a sign of worshipping the ground or of the martyrs, and is therefore a kind of polytheism.

In answer the above question, it should be noted that there is an undisputable difference between prostration for God alsujudu lillahi and prostration on the ground alsujudu `ala al-ard The above objection has been raised because the distinction between the two phrases has not been made out. The former definitely means, Prostration is done exclusively for God, but the latter means prostration on the ground. In other words, when we prostrate on the ground, we do so exclusively for God.

Muslims all over the world prostrate on something for God and so do all pilgrims to the sacred House (the Ka`bah) who prostrate on the stone of the sacred House for Allah. It is thus clear that prostration on the earth, on the plants and on similar objects never denotes worshipping them; rather it is a prostration dedicated to God, manifested in utmost humbleness, as low as the earth. It is also clear that prostration on turbah differs from prostration for turbah.

The holy Quran say, And onto Allah falleth prostrate whosoever is in the heavens and the earth. 13:15. Also, the holy Prophet said, For me has he earth been made a place of worship and pure. [1] Thus, prostrating for God and prostrating on the earth, Turbah, are not the least in opposition. They are harmonious because to prostrate on the earth and on the plant signifies the utmost humbleness before One God.

Now, to further elucidate the Shiites view, the following citation, words of Imam Sadiq, the six Imam, peace be upon him, is worth mentioning: Husham ibn al-Hakam says, 'I asked Imam Sadiq (a.s) about what prostration is permissible on and what is not.' The Imam responded: ' It is not permissible to prostrate on anything except on the ground or on what grows from it unless these products are used as food or for dress... I said ' May I be your sacrifice!

What is the rationale behind it ?' The Imam answered, 'Prostration means being humble and obedient exclusively towards God, and it is not proper to prostrate upon what could be eaten or used as cloth. Moreover, those whose hearts are filled with the love of the world are the slaves of food and dress.