The Ruling on Tawarruk and Iftirash in Prayer
In Islamic jurisprudence, the physical posture adopted during prayer holds significant importance as it reflects the discipline and devotion required in worship. Among the various postures prescribed in prayer, tawarruk and iftirash are two key positions that have distinct roles and meanings. These postures are performed during the sitting (tashahhud) portions of the prayer, and their rulings, significance, and application in different schools of thought are essential for understanding the ritual and spiritual dimensions of prayer. This article examines the ruling on tawarruk and iftirash, their distinctions, their theological implications, and how they are applied within Islamic jurisprudence.
Understanding Iftirash and Tawarruk
To begin, it is crucial to understand what these terms refer to in the context of prayer:
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Iftirash: This is the posture adopted when a person sits on their left thigh and buttocks, with the right foot upright and the toes pointed towards the qibla (the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca). This position is commonly used during the first sitting (tashahhud) in the prayer when one recites the testimony of faith (shahada) and supplications. Iftirash symbolizes humility and attentiveness during the prayer.
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Tawarruk: This posture is performed during the final sitting (tashahhud) of the prayer. In tawarruk, the worshipper sits on the left side, with the left foot flat on the ground, the right foot upright, and the right leg bent in a way that the foot is positioned to the side while the body leans slightly to the left. Tawarruk is typically performed in the last sitting of the prayer, particularly in prayers such as the two-unit (rak’ah) or four-unit (rak’ah) prayers.
Jurisprudential Rulings on Tawarruk and Iftirash
The rulings concerning tawarruk and iftirash primarily differ based on the school of thought followed. The major Sunni schools—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali—each provide their perspectives on these positions. While there is general consensus on the permissibility of both positions, their preferred use, along with their legal significance, varies.
1. The Hanafi School:
The Hanafi school generally places emphasis on iftirash as the preferred position during the first tashahhud and prohibits tawarruk except for the final tashahhud in a prayer with two or more units (rak’ahs). In the Hanafi tradition, tawarruk is only adopted when a person is sitting for the final tashahhud after completing the prescribed units of prayer, particularly in prayers with three or four units, such as Maghrib and Isha.
According to the Hanafi scholars, the use of tawarruk is an essential part of maintaining the proper etiquette of prayer, particularly in prayers with multiple rak’ahs. This position conveys a sense of completion and submission in the final stages of the prayer, while iftirash in the first sitting emphasizes humility and readiness for supplication.
2. The Maliki School:
The Maliki school also allows both tawarruk and iftirash, but with a slight difference in their application. In the Maliki madhhab, iftirash is recommended for the first tashahhud in prayers with two or more rak’ahs. However, in the second and subsequent tashahhuds, tawarruk is preferred, particularly for longer prayers such as the four-unit prayers (like Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha).
The Maliki jurists emphasize that the proper sitting posture is not merely a physical form but carries symbolic significance, demonstrating the worshipper’s devotion and submission to Allah. Tawarruk, in this sense, represents a sense of completion and finality in one’s prayer.
3. The Shafi’i School:
The Shafi’i school provides a more specific ruling regarding the postures of prayer. In this school, iftirash is preferred during the first tashahhud, while tawarruk is recommended during the final tashahhud, especially when the prayer consists of more than two rak’ahs. In the case of a two-unit prayer, the Shafi’i scholars recommend iftirash throughout.
The Shafi’i position highlights the spiritual meanings tied to these postures. Iftirash is seen as a sign of humility before Allah, and tawarruk represents a deeper sense of submission, particularly in the final moments of prayer when the worshipper’s focus shifts entirely towards supplication and seeking forgiveness from the Creator.
4. The Hanbali School:
In the Hanbali school of thought, both tawarruk and iftirash are permissible, but with a clear distinction in their preferred usage. The Hanbali scholars recommend iftirash for the first tashahhud in all prayers, and tawarruk for the second tashahhud when the prayer consists of more than two rak’ahs. The Hanbali tradition also stresses the importance of these postures for their spiritual significance, where iftirash symbolizes active engagement in worship, and tawarruk marks the moment of spiritual completion and closeness to Allah.
Theological Significance of Tawarruk and Iftirash
Both iftirash and tawarruk, as integral parts of the Islamic prayer, carry profound theological meanings beyond their physical execution. These postures symbolize submission, humility, and the worshipper’s acknowledgment of Allah’s greatness. Each posture offers a different manifestation of these core values in the prayer.
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Iftirash:
The posture of iftirash is often described as an act of humility and attentiveness. The worshipper, sitting upright with the right foot raised, demonstrates readiness for supplication while maintaining a sense of attentiveness to the prayer. This position signifies a state of active engagement in worship, where the worshipper is alert and focused on their connection with Allah. The act of sitting on one’s left thigh while keeping the right foot upright illustrates a form of discipline, showing that one is engaged in the prayer with full concentration and devotion. -
Tawarruk:
Tawarruk, on the other hand, is a posture that signifies completion, rest, and submission to Allah. When a person adopts the tawarruk position, they are expressing a deep sense of fulfillment in their connection with the Creator. This posture is typically adopted during the last sitting of prayer, representing the final moments of the worshipper’s supplication. By leaning slightly to the left and resting the left foot flat on the ground, the worshipper demonstrates a form of submission, indicating that their prayers are coming to a close and that they are completely reliant on Allah for forgiveness and mercy.
Practical Considerations and Contemporary Application
In modern contexts, the practice of adopting iftirash and tawarruk in prayer can be influenced by various factors, including personal comfort, physical limitations, and the particular style of prayer. While both positions remain crucial to maintaining the prescribed etiquette of the prayer, many contemporary Muslims may experience difficulty in maintaining these postures due to physical constraints, such as joint pain, back problems, or other health-related concerns. In such cases, Islamic jurisprudence provides flexibility, allowing individuals to adopt postures that are most comfortable for them while still maintaining the essential spirit of submission and humility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the postures of tawarruk and iftirash are integral components of the Islamic prayer, with deep spiritual and theological significance. While the specific rulings regarding their application may vary between the different schools of thought, there is consensus on their permissibility and importance. Both postures symbolize key values of humility, submission, and attentiveness in worship, and they serve as expressions of devotion to Allah. The correct understanding and implementation of these positions help to preserve the sanctity of prayer, fostering a deeper connection between the worshipper and their Creator. Understanding their distinct roles allows Muslims to approach their prayer with greater reverence and mindfulness, ensuring that each act of worship is performed in accordance with the established traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).