How to Stand Properly During Salah (Qiyam)

How to Stand Properly During Salah (Qiyam): A Guide Based on Quran and Hadith

Salah, the act of prayer, is one of the most fundamental practices in Islam, representing direct communication between a Muslim and Allah. It is not only an expression of faith but also a profound form of worship that requires both physical and mental devotion. Among the key elements of Salah, the standing position (Qiyam) holds great significance.

How one stands during Salah reflects their reverence, focus, and submission to the will of Allah. The proper posture during Qiyam ensures that the worshipper remains mindful and devoted throughout the prayer, aligning their body, heart, and soul in harmony.

In this blog post, we will explore the correct way to stand during Qiyam, grounded in the teachings of the Quran and Hadith. We will break down the essential elements of the posture, including the position of the feet, hands, eyes, and heart, while also addressing common mistakes to avoid.

By adhering to the guidance of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Muslims can elevate the quality of their Salah, ensuring their prayer is both physically comfortable and spiritually fulfilling. This post aims to provide practical advice to enhance the sincerity and mindfulness of the act of standing before Allah.

Understanding Qiyam (Standing in Prayer)

Qiyam refers to the standing position in Salah when a Muslim is reciting the Quranic verses, specifically Surah Al-Fatiha and other parts of the prayer. This position is not only physically important but spiritually significant.

The way we stand reflects our submission to Allah and our reverence toward His majesty. Every aspect of Salah, from the stance of the feet to the position of the hands, has a deep meaning and is rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The Importance of Standing Properly in Salah

Standing properly during Salah is important for several reasons:

• Respect for Allah: When we stand correctly, it signifies our respect and reverence toward the Creator. Proper posture reflects the seriousness and devotion with which we approach the prayer.
• Focus and Humility: The way we stand in prayer helps us maintain focus and avoid distractions. A proper stance ensures that our body is still, allowing us to direct our attention fully to Allah.
• Physical Benefits: Proper posture also helps avoid physical discomfort or strain during prolonged standing in prayer, especially during long prayers like Taraweeh or Tahajjud.

The Correct Way to Stand in Qiyam

The proper way to stand in Qiyam involves several components, which include the position of the feet, legs, back, hands, and head. Let’s break down these aspects in detail.

Feet Position

The position of the feet is one of the most important elements of Qiyam. The feet should be placed in a way that they are shoulder-width apart or slightly closer. The toes should face forward, pointing towards the Qibla, the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca.

Quranic Reference: While the Quran does not specifically describe the physical details of Qiyam in terms of feet placement, it emphasizes the importance of focus and submission during Salah:

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:238):
حَافِظُوا عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْوُسْطَىٰ وَقُومُوا لِلَّهِ قَانِتِينَ
“Guard the prayers, especially the middle prayer, and stand before Allah in devoutness.”

This verse refers to the spiritual state of devotion and submission during prayer. While it does not describe the physical positioning, it highlights the significance of standing with sincerity.

Legs and Body Position

The legs should be kept straight, with the knees neither locked nor bent excessively. The body should remain upright and still throughout the Qiyam, ensuring that there is no unnecessary movement. The back should be straight, and the chest should remain open to avoid any discomfort during the prayer.

Hands and Arms

The hands should be placed on the chest or just above the navel in a natural and relaxed manner. There are different opinions about whether to place the hands lower, above the navel, or on the chest, but the most commonly accepted position is placing the hands on the chest.

Hadith Reference (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 724):
“وَإِذَا صَلَّى أَحَدُكُمْ فَلْيَضَعْ يَدَهُ عَلَى صَدْرِهِ أَوْ فَوقَ سُرَّتِهِ”
“When one of you prays, let him place his right hand over his left hand on his chest or his forearm.”

This hadith is often cited to explain the position of the hands during Qiyam. It is important to note that the hands should not be raised or left hanging by the sides. Instead, they should be placed with humility and comfort.

Eyes and Gaze

The gaze should be directed downward, focused on the spot where the forehead will touch during Sujud (prostration). This is a sign of humility and concentration. Keeping the gaze downward prevents distractions and helps maintain focus during prayer.

The Heart and Intention

The heart is the most important part of any action in Islam, and Salah is no exception. While the physical aspects of standing in Qiyam are significant, it is the intention (niyyah) that is most important. A person should have a sincere intention to worship Allah alone during Salah, and the heart should be filled with humility and submission.

Quranic Reference: Surah Al-Baqarah (2:238):
“حَافِظُوا عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْوُسْطَىٰ وَقُومُوا لِلَّهِ قَانِتِينَ”
“Guard the prayers, especially the middle prayer, and stand before Allah in devoutness.”

The key word here is “devoutness,” referring to the sincerity of the heart during prayer. The heart should be fully engaged with the act of worship, free from distractions.

 The Proper Recitation During Qiyam

When standing in Qiyam, the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha and another portion of the Quran is obligatory for the one praying alone or leading the prayer (Imam). The recitation should be done calmly and clearly, without rushing through the words.

Hadith Reference:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“مَن صَلَّى صَلَاةً وَلَمْ يَقْرَأْ بِفَاتِحَةِ الْكِتَابِ فَصَلَاتُهُ فَاسِدَةٌ”
“Whoever performs Salah and does not recite the Opening of the Book (Surah Al-Fatiha) in it, his prayer is incomplete.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 394)

The importance of reciting Surah Al-Fatiha during Qiyam cannot be overstated. It is the essence of Salah, and reciting it properly and with understanding ensures that the prayer is performed correctly.

Qiyam in Congregational Prayer

When praying in congregation (Jama’ah), the position of the individual in Qiyam must be synchronized with that of the Imam and the rest of the congregation. Standing in proper rows is important for unity and discipline in the prayer. The lines should be straight, with no gaps between the feet of the worshippers.

Hadith Reference (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 439):
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“فَصُّوا صُفُوفَكُمْ فَإِنَّ تَسْوِيَةَ الصُّفُوفِ مِنْ تَمَامِ صَلاَتِكُمْ”
“Straighten your rows, for straightening the rows is part of perfecting the prayer.”

The alignment of the rows signifies unity and discipline. This is not only a physical requirement but a symbol of the unity of the Muslim community (Ummah).

Common Mistakes During Qiyam and How to Avoid Them

• Slouching or Bending the Back – Ensure that your back is straight and your body is upright. Slouching may cause discomfort and is a sign of disrespect in front of Allah.

• Looking Around – Keep your gaze downward and focused. Looking around can be distracting and show a lack of concentration and reverence.

• Raising Hands Excessively – The hands should not be raised excessively during Qiyam. Keep them relaxed and in their proper position.

• Imbalance in Foot Position – Avoid standing with your feet too wide apart or too close. The feet should be in a natural position, aligned with your shoulders.

• Distractions – Ensure that you are mentally present during Qiyam. Distractions can take away from the sincerity of the prayer.

Conclusion

Standing properly during Salah, especially in Qiyam, is vital for both the physical and spiritual aspects of prayer. By following the guidance of the Quran and Hadith regarding the positioning of the body, hands, feet, and focus, we can ensure that our prayer is both physically comfortable and spiritually meaningful. The act of standing before Allah in devotion and humility is a profound expression of worship, and it is essential to perform it in the best manner possible.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“صَلُّوا كَمَا رَأَيْتُمُونِي أُصَلِّي”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 631)

By following his example and the guidance in the Quran and Hadith, we can perfect our Qiyam and strengthen our connection with Allah. May Allah grant us all the ability to stand in prayer with devotion, humility, and sincerity. Ameen.