Is It From the Sunna to Pray on a Rock?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Assalam alaykum,

It is my understanding that it is recommended (Mustahab) to pray on earth for the hanafi school.

Shia muslims pray on rocks or “muhrs” for that same reason. So would it be permissible for a sunni muslim to pray on one those rocks as well since it is mustahab to pray on natural earth?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.

No, it is not a sunna to pray on a rock.

The requirement is to pray in a pure place, and a cleaner place is closer to what befits the majesty of the prayer.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) used to pray on a small mat. [Bukhari]

Please also see: Should We Pray on Prayer Mats or on Natural Earth? and: Is It an Innovation to Use a Prayer Rug?

And Allah alone gives success.

في صحيح البخاري: عن ميمونة، قالت: كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يصلي على الخمرة

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani