The distinguishing mark of the observers of prayer on the Day of Resurrection

13-1-2014 | IslamWeb

Question:

What is the benefit of the mark of prostration? Would you please mention some Hadeeths. May Allaah Reward you.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

Abu Hurayrah narrated a long Hadeeth where the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, described the Day of Resurrection. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "When Allaah Wants to Shower mercy on whomever He Likes amongst the people of Hellfire, He Will Order the angels to take out of the Hellfire those who worshipped none but Him alone. The angels will take them out recognizing them from the marks of prostrations, for Allaah Has Forbidden Hellfire to eat away those marks." [Al-Bukhari, Muslim and others]

This Hadeeth indicates that the observers of prayer will be distinguished and recognized on the Day of Resurrection by their marks of prostration. Scholars provided different opinions regarding the meaning of these marks and whether only the forefront or all seven organs of prostration are meant. The first opinion, however, is stronger. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating [in prayer], seeking bounty from Allaah and [His] pleasure. Their mark is on their faces from the trace of prostration. That is their description in the Torah. And their description in the Gospel is as a plant which produces its offshoots and strengthens them so they grow firm and stand upon their stalks, delighting the sowers – so that Allaah may enrage by them the disbelievers. Allaah Has Promised those who believe and do righteous deeds among them forgiveness and a great reward.}[Quran 48: 29]

Allaah Knows best.