Kneeling in Islam: Beyond Worship 🕌
Comprehensive Definition
Kneeling in Islam: In Islamic practice, kneeling involves placing the knees on the ground and sitting on the feet. However, unlike Christian traditions where kneeling is primarily an act of worship, the term “kneeling” in Islamic texts like the Qur’ān often denotes an attitude of solemnity, humility, or fear, especially in eschatological contexts.
Etymology
- Jās̤ī: Derived from the Arabic root “ج ض ي” (jīm, ṣād, yā’), this term appears in Sūrah 45:27 of the Qur’ān, where it signifies a posture of fear or reverence on the Day of Judgment.
Background
In Islam, physical postures during prayer are highly prescribed. The act of “kneeling” in the Christian context, where individuals might kneel upright, hands folded in devotion, does not typically exist in the same form during Islamic worship. Instead, each part of the Salat (ritual prayer) has defined movements: standing (qiyām), bowing (rukū‘), and prostration (sujūd). Kneeling, in terms of the pose described in many Western depictions of prayer, holds a different connotation and context within Islamic practices.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
- Christianity: Kneeling is a common posture in Christian worship, symbolizing humility and reverence toward God.
- Islam: Physical postures are part of prescribed acts during prayers. While humility is also an essential aspect, it is expressed through specific movements. Kneeling in ordinary worship is not as prominent as in Christian practices.
Synonyms and Antonyms
- Synonyms: Bending, kowtowing, supplicating
- Antonyms: Standing, sitting, reclining
Related Terms with Definitions
- Salat: The ritual Islamic prayer performed five times a day, involving a sequence of standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting.
- Sujūd: Prostration in Islamic prayer, where the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes touch the ground in submission to God.
- Rukū’: Bowing in Islamic prayer, bending at the waist while keeping the hands on the knees and the back straight, followed by saying “Subḥāna Rabbiya al-‘Aẓīm” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great).
Exciting Facts
- Posture Significance: Each posture in Islamic prayer represents a different level of submission and humility towards God.
- Day of Judgment: In the Qur’ān, jās̤ī connotes a reverential fear, reflecting the gravity of standing before divine judgment.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“And thou shalt see each nation kneeling, each nation summoned to the book…” - Qur’ān, Sūrah 45:27. This quote signifies the anticipation and reverence during the final judgment, emphasizing a posture of both humility and fear.
References for Literature and Further Study
- “Muslim Devotions: A Study of Prayer-Manuals in Common Use” by Constance E. Padwick
- “Islamic Prayer Across the Indian Ocean: Inside and Outside the Ritual” by Stephen Headley
- “The Study Qur’an: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- “Approaching the Qur’an: The Early Revelations” by Michael Sells
Quizzes
Farewell Thought by Ibrahim Al-Azhar: “Understanding the nuances of religious practices helps to build bridges between communities. Delving into Islamic practices like the concept of kneeling can open doors to greater empathy and shared respect.”
Published on October 3, 2023, by Ibrahim Al-Azhar.
