Page:Thomas Patrick Hughes - Notes on Muhammadanism - 2ed. (1877).djvu/127

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106
PRAYER.

Iqámat, terms which will be explained afterwards.

The regular form of prayer begins with the Niyyat, which is said standing, with the hands on either side:—

"I have purposed to offer up to God only, with a sincere heart this morning (or, as the case may be), with my face Qibla-wards, two (or, as the case may be) rakʾat prayers Farz (Sunnat, or Nafl)."

Then follows the Takbír-i-Tahrímah, said with the thumbs touching the lobules of the ears and the open hands on each side of the face:—

"God is great!"

The Qíám, or standing position. The right hand placed upon the left, below the navel,[1] and the eyes looking to the ground in self-abasement. During which is said the Subhán[2]:—

"Holiness to Thee, O God!"
"And praise be to Thee!"
"Great is Thy name!"


  1. The Shafiaʾ, and the two other orthodox sects, place their hands on their breasts; as also the Wahhábis. The Shíaʾhs keep their hands on either side. In all the sects the women perform the Qíám with their hands on their breasts.
  2. The Shíaʾhs omit the Subhán.