Survived editing on April 05, 2026

The Prohibition of Prostration to Figures

Imam al-Qurtubi :

This prohibited prostration is a practice adopted by the ignorant among the Sufis during their sama’ (spiritual auditions) and upon entering the presence of their sheikhs to seek forgiveness. One of them, when overcome by his supposed ‘spiritual state’ (hal), can be seen prostrating at the feet [of his master] due to his ignorance—regardless of whether he faces the Qibla or otherwise. Out of pure ignorance, their efforts have gone astray and their deeds have come to nothing.

وهذا السجود المنهيّ عنه، قد اتخذه جُهَّالُ المتصوّفة، عادةً في سماعهم، وعند دخولهم على مشايخهم واستغفارهم، فيرى الواحد منهم إذا أَخذه الحال بزعمه، يسجد للأقدام لجهله، سواء أكان للقبلة أم غيرها، جهالة منه، ضَلَّ سَعْيُهم، وخاب عملهم.

Source : Jami' li Ahkam al-Quran 4/315