Should a woman's arm rest in sujood (prostration)?
In the context of a woman's posture during sujood (prostration), there are differing practices based on Islamic tradition. According to Shia teachings, it is narrated in Al-Kafi that when a woman prostrates, she keeps her limbs close together
Al-Kafi 4:299. This suggests that women are encouraged to maintain a more compact position during prostration.
On the other hand, there is also a practice mentioned in Sunni sources regarding the prostration of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Sahih al-Bukhari states that whenever the Prophet (peace be upon him) prostrated, he would spread apart the space between his hands so that we could see his armpits
Sahih al-Bukhari 61:74. This indicates a more open posture for men, but it does not directly address the specifics for women.
Thus, the general understanding is that while men may prostrate with a more open stance, women are recommended to keep their limbs closer together during sujood.
Sources
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Al-Kafi 4:299
Al-Kafi · Book 4, Hadith 299
When a woman prostrates, she keeps her limbs close together, while when a man prostrates, he spreads them apart. — OR — He said to me: We are equal in knowledge and courage, and in gifts according to what we are commanded. — OR — He was asked about a man traveling on a Muslim road with his mount, and the mount harms a person with its leg. He said, 'He is not responsible for what it hits with its leg, but he is responsible for what it hits with its hands (forelegs). If it stops, he is responsible for what it hits with hand and leg. If he is driving it, he is responsible for what it hits with both hand and leg as well.'
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Sahih al-Bukhari 61:74
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 61, Hadith 74 · Narrated by Abdullah ibn Malik ibn Buhayna al-Asadi
Whenever the Prophet (peace be upon him) prostrated, he would spread apart the space between his hands so that we could see his armpits.
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