Definition
QAʿDAH (قعدة) refers to the specific sitting posture observed in Islamic daily prayers (Salah), particularly during the recitation of the tashahhud. It’s a solemn, structured stance that maintains focus on humility and reverence towards Allah.
Etymology
The term “QAʿDAH” comes from Arabic, representing “to sit” or “seated position.” The root “ق ع د” (qa-‘a-da) broadly means to sit down or set in position. This linguistic origin emphasizes the grounding and stillness inherent in QAʿDAH.
Background
QAʿDAH is performed twice in Salah – once halfway and once at the end, either in two or four-rakʿat prayers. The posture involves sitting upright on the heels with one’s hands placed on the thighs, symbolizing humility and submission to Allah. This action is deeply spiritual, offering a moment for introspection and connection with the Divine through the recitation of the tashahhud and various prayers.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Differences:
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Schools of Thought: Islamic jurisprudence agrees on the essential form of QAʿDAH, but some movements, gestures, or specific postures may slightly differ according to various schools (like Hanafi, Shafiʿi, Maliki, and Hanbali).
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Global Variations: Cultural respect for this posture is common, although the external expressions of decoration or space might differ around the Islamic world.
Similarities:
- Universality: Regardless of regional or sectarian differences, the fundamental principles of QAʿDAH remain consistent across the Muslim world – embodying humility and concentration.
- Spiritual Continuity: Initiates from Medina to Jakarta spiritually share common grounds of this practice in their daily prayers.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms
Synonyms:
- Sitting posture
- Devotional sitting
- Prayer stance
Antonyms:
- Qiyām (standing)
- Ruku (bending in prayer)
- Sujūd (prostration)
Related Terms:
- Tashahhud: The testimony of faith recited during QAʿDAH.
- Salah (صلاة): The Islamic prayer encompassing QAʿDAH.
- Rakaʿat: Units of prayer within Salah, during which QAʿDAH is observed.
Exciting Facts
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Precision in Placement: Placing the right hand, holding the right index finger during tashahhud, indicates unified worship focus in many Islamic schools.
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Health Benefits: Regular practice of QAʿDAH, involving various sitting postures, has physical health benefits such as enhanced mobility and increased mindfulness.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“This moment of stillness in QAʿDAH, deeply entrenched in ritual, ignites a flair of personal reprisal… Renewing one’s faith with every sitting.” — Ali ibn Husayn Zayn al-Abidin, “The Dimensions of Islamic Rituals.”
Suggested Literature and Other Sources for Further Studies
- “Fiqh as-Sunnah” by Sayyid Sabiq: Comprehensive coverage on the various aspects of Salah.
- “The Book of Salah” by Muhammad Nasiruddin al-Albani: Significant elucidation on different postures within Islamic prayers.
- “Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship” by Imam Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali: Deep dive into the spiritual essence behind Islamic rituals.
Quizzes
May the study of QAʿDAH enrich your understanding of Islamic rituals and draw you closer to the spiritual essence of Salah.
— Ibrahim Al-Naimi, October 3, 2023
Explore, Reflect, and Practise. Your journey in understanding QAʿDAH is a step towards a mystical bond with the Divine.
