There are two implications in the word Tarrib used by the Prophet...

There are two implications in the word Tarrib used by the Prophet: first, one should put his forehead on Turab, the dust, and second it is an order which must be carried out, since the word Tarrib is a derived from turab, meaning dust, and is used an imperatively. The Noble Prophets deeds are clear proofs and bright lights showing the way to the Muslims.

Wail ibn Hajar says, Whenever he was in prostration, the Prophet (a.s) put his forehead and nose on the ground.[1] Anas ibn Malik, Ibn-`Abbas, some the Prophets wives such as `aishah and Umm Salamah, as well as many of the narrators of the Prophetic traditions have narrated the following: The Prophet, (a.s), used to prostrate on khumrah,[2] (a mat made from palm fibers).

Also, Abu-Sa`id, a companion of the Prophet says, I went to the Prophet (a.s), and saw him performing prayers on a straw mat.[3] This is further clear evidence in support of the Shiites view who maintain that it is permissible to prostrate on what grows from the ground, provided that it is not used as food, and that it could not be used as some kind of dress material. [1] Ahkam al-Qur'an, vol. 3, p. 209, printed in Beirut, the chapter on Prostration. [2] Sunan al-Bayhaqi, vol. 2 p.

421, The Book of performing Prayers, on Khumrah (clay). [3] Sunan al-Bayhaqi, vol. 2 p. 421. The Book of performing prayers on Hasir. The words and deeds of the companions of the Prophet and those of the second generation of the narrators of traditions, tabi`un, are also clear indications to the Noble Prophets Sunnah. Jabir ibn `Abdullah Ansari says, I used to perform the noon prayers together with the holy Prophet (a.s).

I would take a handful of pebbles to keep them in my hand to allow the pebbles to get cool; I put my forehead on them. This was because the weather was very warm[1] The narrator (of the tradition) then adds, Prostration on the dress he had on, if permitted, would have been easier than taking and keeping the pebbles. Ibn Sa`d (d.

209 A.H.) says, in his al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Masruq ibn al-Ajda` used to take a piece of clay brick along to prostrate on whenever he made a sea voyage.[2] Masruq ibn al-Ajda` was a member of the tabi`un group, who was also an associate of Ibn Mas`ud, whom Ibn Sa`d considers among the first generation of narrators after the companions of the Prophet, and the one who has directly quoted traditions from Abu-Bakr, `Umar, `Uthman, `Ali (a.s) and `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud.