The debate surrounding the surfaces permissible for prostration during prayer is as old as Islamic jurisprudence itself. While many Sunni scholars prefer simplicity, Imam Malik's stance, as cited in Ibn Taymiyyah's Minhaj al-Sunnah al-Nabawiyyah, is particularly intriguing. He deemed it disliked (Makrooh) to prostrate on anything other than what originates from the earth.

Interestingly, this aligns closely with the Shia practice of using a natural clay tablet (Sajdagah) for prostration. Yet, the irony is hard to miss—while Shias are often criticized for their adherence to this principle, here we have a Sunni giant seemingly validating their practice. Could it be that the Sajdagah isn’t as alien as some would claim? Perhaps, as we explore this hadith, it’s time to reconsider what tradition truly entails.

We read in "Minh'aj-Al-Sunnah Al-Nabawiyah (منهاج السنة النبوية)," By Ibn-Tamiyah ( ابن تيمية الحراني الحنبلي الدمشقي)" Investigated By: Muhamamd Rashid Salam (محمد رشاد سالم), The first print (1406): volume 4, page #15

وَكَذَلِكَ قَالَ مَالِكٌ: إِنَّ السُّجُودَ يُكْرَهُ عَلَى غَيْرِ جِنْسِ الْأَرْضِ، وَالرَّافِضَةُ يَمْنَعُونَ مِنَ (7) السُّجُودِ عَلَى غَيْرِ الْأ
And also said Malik: "Prostration is Makr'ooh, other than that originates from earth, and Al-Rafith'a do not allow protestation other than the earth (Soil, Has'eer, etc).

It’s fascinating how Imam Malik’s words, preserved in Minhaj al-Sunnah al-Nabawiyyah, echo the essence of what Shias have upheld for centuries—that prostration should be on something originating from the earth. Yet, the irony is palpable when critics, often quick to dismiss Shia practices as innovations, find themselves standing on shaky ground when their own revered scholars express similar sentiments.

So, the next time someone trolls the Shia for using a Sajdagah, perhaps they should ask themselves: are they opposing Shia practices, or inadvertently challenging the principles of Imam Malik too? Maybe, instead of hurling criticism, they should grab a clay tablet and join the Sajdah of sincerity—after all, consistency is a virtue, isn’t it?