Is It Permissible to Use an Assisting Device Under the Palm?
ALLAH SWT says:
“And ALLAH has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty.”
(QS. 22:78)
The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
“Indeed, this religion is easy. No one makes it hard upon himself except that it will overcome him.”
Hadith Bukhari no. 39
The Prophet Muhammad SAW also said:
“I have been commanded to prostrate on seven bones: the forehead (pointing with his hand to the nose), the two hands, the two knees, and the toes of the two feet.”
Hadith Bukhari no. 812; Muslim no. 490
Based on the Quran and Hadith above, there is room for ‘udhr shar‘i (legitimate excuse in Islamic law) regarding this matter. ‘Udhr shar‘i refers to reasons permitted by Islamic law that allow certain exceptions in performing acts of worship.
The most appropriate example to compare with PRTE as an assisting device is the use of gloves (for men or women).
Gloves: a. The entire palm is covered, so it does not touch the prayer mat/ground. b. Reason: Health-related concerns (fear of infection or wounds), protection from heat or cold.
PRTE: a. Only a small part of the palm does not touch the prayer mat/ground. b. Reason: To prevent forgetting rak‘ah, to enhance solemnity (khushu‘), and to provide educative content for strengthening knowledge.
Just as gloves are accepted under ‘udhr shar‘i for health or environmental reasons, PRTE can also be considered permissible as an assisting device – its purpose being to support focus, accuracy, and knowledge in worship.