The appearance of dark circles or a darkened area on the forehead of some Muslims can be due to the zebibah, a callous or darkened skin patch that develops from repeated pressure during prayer.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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What is a Zebibah? The word zebibah (Arabic: زبيبة) translates to "raisin" in English. It refers to a dark circle or raised bump that may appear on the forehead between the hairline and eyebrows.
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Cause: The zebibah typically develops because of the pressure applied to the forehead during sujud, the act of prostration performed during the daily Islamic prayers (salat). During sujud, Muslims kneel and press their forehead, knees, hands, and toes to the ground as a sign of submission to God (Allah). This repeated pressure can, over time, cause the skin in that area to thicken and darken.
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Not Universal: It is important to note that not all Muslims develop a zebibah. Several factors contribute to its formation, including:
- Frequency of Prayer: Those who pray more frequently and for longer durations are more likely to develop it.
- Prayer Surface: The type of surface used for prayer can also play a role. Hard surfaces may contribute more to the development of the mark.
- Skin Type: Individual skin types and sensitivity to pressure vary, which affects whether a zebibah forms.
- Pressure Applied: The amount of pressure applied to the forehead during sujud will affect the development.
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Spiritual Significance: While the zebibah is a physical consequence of prayer, it is sometimes regarded by some as a sign of piety or devotion. However, the presence or absence of a zebibah does not indicate a person's level of faith or closeness to God.
In summary, the "dark circles" sometimes seen on the foreheads of Muslims are often zebibah, caused by the repeated pressure of prostration during prayer, although not all Muslims develop them.
