Animal-Like Postures Forbidden in Prayer: A Comparative Fiqh Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54582/Keywords:
Resemblance, Prayer (Ṣalāh), AnimalAbstract
This study aims to examine the postures forbidden during prayer (ṣalāh) due to their resemblance to animal postures. It employed a comparative jurisprudential (fiqh) methodology that combines the examination and analysis of Sharīʿah texts with a discussion of the opinions and evidence of jurists (fuqahāʾ). It also seeks to identify these postures as reported in the Prophetic Sunnah, elucidate the jurisprudential (fiqh) ruling for each, and analyze the implication of the prohibition in terms of whether it indicates absolute unlawfulness (taḥrīm) or mere reprehensibility (karāhah), while clarifying the effect of such postures on the validity and completeness of the prayer. The study concludes that the prohibited imitation is to be understood based on actual resemblance in posture, and it is only deemed to occur when the person is aware of the prohibition, the prohibition is established, and there is no necessity (ḍarūrah) justifying the act. It also demonstrates that the prohibition of these postures aims to: honor the person praying, safeguard their dignified bearing, achieve perfect humility and concentration (khushūʿ), and adhere to the guidance of Islamic law in performing prayer. The jurisprudential (fiqh) rulings for these postures vary between unlawful and reprehensible (makrūh), with most not invalidating the prayer, except when the prohibited posture involves the omission of an essential pillar (rukn) or condition, such as the lack of tranquility (ṭumaʾnīnah), which does invalidate the prayer. The study emphasizes the importance of avoiding anything that involves clear resemblance to animal postures.
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