Sitting in salah

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Sitting in Salah refers to the specific positions and postures a Muslim adopts during the act of Salah, which is the Islamic ritual prayer. These positions are not merely physical acts but are considered to be acts of worship and submission to Allah. The sitting postures in Salah, known as Qa'dah (قعدة) or Jalsa (جلسة), are integral to the prayer, providing moments of reflection, supplication, and recitation.

Positions and Significance

The primary sitting positions in Salah are observed during the Tashahhud (تشهد) at the end of the prayer cycle, known as a Rak'ah (ركعة). There are two main sitting positions:

1. Al-Qa'dah Al-Akhira (القعدة الأخيرة) or the final sitting, is where the worshipper sits after the last Sujood (prostration) to recite the Tashahhud, Salat Alan-Nabi (prayer upon the Prophet), and complete the Salah with Tasleem (saying "As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah" to both sides). This position involves sitting on the left leg while the right foot is kept vertical with the toes pointing towards the Qibla (direction of the Kaaba in Mecca).

2. Al-Qa'dah Al-Oula (القعدة الأولى) or the first sitting, occurs in prayers that consist of more than two Rak'ahs. In this position, the worshipper sits briefly to recite the first part of the Tashahhud before standing up to continue with the remaining Rak'ahs. The posture is similar to Al-Qa'dah Al-Akhira but is held for a shorter duration.

Method

The method of sitting in Salah involves several steps to ensure the correct posture is achieved:

- After completing the Sujood, the worshipper moves to a sitting position by lifting the torso while keeping the right foot vertical and sitting on the left leg. - The hands are placed on the thighs, with the fingers spread out naturally. - The gaze is lowered, focusing on the lap or the place of Sujood, embodying humility and submission. - During Tashahhud, the right index finger is raised to point towards the Qibla as a physical manifestation of the testimony of faith.

Significance

The sitting positions in Salah are not arbitrary but are deeply symbolic, reflecting the Muslim's servitude and humility before Allah. These moments of stillness within the prayer are opportunities for personal supplication, reflection, and connection with the divine. The physical posture of sitting, combined with the mental state of devotion, enhances the spiritual experience of the prayer.

Variations

While the basic principles of sitting in Salah are consistent across the Islamic world, minor variations can exist among different Islamic schools of thought (Madhahib). These differences may pertain to the positioning of the hands, fingers, and the manner of looking down during the Tashahhud. However, these variations do not affect the validity of the prayer, as the essence of Salah is the intention and devotion to Allah.