In Islamic prayer (Salah), certain positions and postures are essential for the validity and completeness of the prayer. Two such positions are qavma (standing straight after bowing) and jalsa (sitting between two prostrations). Understanding their significance and how long to wait in these postures is crucial for performing prayers properly.
What Is Qavma and Jalsa?
Qavma refers to standing straight and fully upright after rising from the ruku (bowing) before proceeding to prostrate. One must stand for at least the time it takes to say “SubhanAllah”.
Jalsa is the sitting posture between the two prostrations (sujood). Again, one must sit for at least the time it takes to say “SubhanAllah”.
Both of these actions have specific rulings in Islamic jurisprudence.
The Ruling on Qavma and Jalsa
According to the Hanafi school, qavma and jalsa are considered wajib (necessary), and their neglect, either by forgetfulness or error, requires sahw (prostration of forgetfulness) to compensate. However, deliberate omission of these postures is considered tahrimen makruh (strongly disliked), and the prayer needs to be repeated.
In contrast, scholars from other schools such as Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali consider both qavma and jalsa to be farz (obligatory). Neglecting them, even by mistake, invalidates the prayer and requires the person to repeat it (Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar, 1/465; Ibn Qudama, al-Mughni, 2/22; Nawawi, Rawda, 1/223).
The Hadith of Abu Huraira: A Guide to Proper Posture
Abu Huraira (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) instructed a man to repeat his prayer multiple times. The Prophet said:
“When you begin your prayer, say the takbir (Allahu Akbar), then recite from the Qur’an what is easy for you, then bow until your limbs are firmly settled, then rise up and stand straight. Afterward, prostrate and remain in sujood until your limbs are relaxed. Then sit and remain there until your limbs settle, and go back to prostrate, remaining in sujood until your limbs settle properly. Do this in all your prayers.” (Bukhari, Adhan, 122 [793]; Muslim, Salat, 45 [397])
This hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper posture and balance during the prayer, particularly after ruku, during qavma, between the two sujood (prostrations), and while in jalsa.
The Significance of Ta’dil al-Arkan (Proper Posture)
The concept of ta’dil al-arkan (proper posture) refers to performing the required movements of the prayer with calm and certainty. It is particularly important to observe these postures in the following instances:
Ruku: Ensure the back is straight and the body remains in position long enough to recite “SubhanAllah” once.
Qavma: Stand up completely after ruku, ensuring the body is straight and stable.
Sujood: Ensure proper placement and rest in the prostration.
Jalsa: Between the two prostrations, sit for a moment of stability.
Conclusion
The qavma and jalsa postures are critical components of the prayer, and ensuring that each one is performed properly, with the prescribed duration for each, is essential for the prayer’s validity. As qavma and jalsa are either wajib or farz (depending on the school of thought), they require careful attention to avoid invalidating the prayer.