Muslims place their right hand over their left hand on their chest (or navel area, depending on interpretations and schools of thought) primarily as a sign of reverence, humility, and focus during prayer. They often recite a supplication glorifying God and seeking His protection while in this position.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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During Prayer (Salah): The placement of hands on the chest or navel occurs during the standing position (Qiyam) in Salah, the daily obligatory prayers in Islam.
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Reverence and Humility: This posture is considered a sign of respect and submission to Allah (God). It's a way to physically express humility and focus entirely on the prayer.
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Focus and Concentration (Khushu'): By placing their hands in this position, Muslims aim to minimize distractions and enhance concentration during the prayer. It helps to still the body and mind, allowing for a more meaningful connection with Allah.
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Different Interpretations: It's important to note that there are varying opinions among different Islamic schools of thought regarding the precise location of the hands. Some prefer placing them on the chest, while others prefer the navel. These differences are based on interpretations of religious texts and practices.
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Supplication: While in this position, Muslims often recite a silent supplication (dua') glorifying Allah and seeking His protection and guidance. This reinforces the purpose of prayer as a direct communication with the Divine.
In summary, putting the right hand over the left on the chest during prayer is a practice rooted in showing reverence, achieving focus, and expressing humility before Allah. While variations exist in precise hand placement depending on different schools of thought, the underlying intention remains the same: to enhance the prayer experience and connect with the Divine.
