This Text examines why Shi'a Muslims prostrate on clay or natural earth during prayer, while Sunni Muslims generally prostrate on carpets or clothing. Originally written in Arabic by Sheikh Ali Al-Ahmadi, Sajda Upon the Ground traces the practice of prostration from the time of the Prophet Muhammad (S) through the rulings of his companions and later jurists.

Drawing on both Sunni and Shi'a sources, the author argues that prostrating directly on the earth, stone, or inedible vegetation was the practice established by the Holy Prophet (S). The Text examines the hadith and jurisprudential evidence behind this practice and its place in early Islamic tradition.