بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

● The use of a turbah is compulsory in most Shi’a schools of Islam and many Hadith mention the benefits of prostration (Sajda) upon the soil of the earth or an alternative material.
We may only prostrate on things that are permissible to prostrate on.
You do not necessarily need to do sajdah on a ‘turbah’. It can be anything natural, as long as it is non-edible, and is not worn.

● Permissible Materials for Sajdah :

1. Earth/Soil: The most recommended material for Sajdah.
2. Clay: Especially the clay from the land of Karbala.
3. Stone: Like marble or any natural stone.
4. Wood: Unprocessed wood.
5. Leaves: From trees, provided they are not edible.

● You can use paper, only if you are certain that it is natural as well.

● Some hadiths from Ahlulbayt (AS) :

● “Abu Abdullah (AS) said: ‘Prostration is not permissible except on earth or what grows from it, except that which is eaten or worn.’ ( Al-Kafi, vol. 3, p. 330, hadith no. 1 )
● Imam al-Baqir (AS) said: “The best thing for prostration is the earth, or what grows from it that is neither edible nor wearable.” ( Al-Kafi, vol. 3, p. 333, hadith no. 7 )
● Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (AS) said: “Prostration on the soil of Karbala brings closeness to Allah and His love.” (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 85, p. 154, hadith no. 68 )
● Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (AS) said: “The clay from Karbala has a special light and prostrating on it connects one with the divine light.” ( Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 85, p. 154, hadith no. 67 )
● Ibn Attiya narrates “Verily God does not accept the Salat of One who does not put his Nose right on the EARTH/SOIL”. ( Kanz ul Ummal, Volume 7 Hadith 19775 )

~Jazakallah