Sitting (Julūs) - جلوس
Definition and Etymology
Sitting (Arabic: julūs, جلوس) refers to the act of sitting down in a particular manner. The term is derived from the root verb j-l-s (جلس), which means “to sit” or “to be seated.” Sitting, or julūs, holds significant import in Islamic practices and cultural traditions, especially as it relates to the comportment of the Prophet Muhammad.
Descriptions of the Prophet’s Sitting Postures
Islamic tradition places a high emphasis on the emulation of the Prophet Muhammad’s actions, including his sitting postures. Several hadith sources describe these postures in detail:
- Ibn ʿUmar observed: “I saw him sit with his knees up and the bottom of his feet on the ground, and his arms around his legs.”
- Jābir reported: “I saw him sitting reclining upon a pillow which was put under his arm.”
- Kailah noted: “I saw him sitting in the mosque upon his buttocks, in the greatest humility and lowliness.”
Additionally, Jābir mentioned another specific posture: “The Prophet used, after he had said morning prayer, to sit with his feet drawn under him, until sunrise.” (Referenced from Mishkāt al Masābīh, Book XXII, Chapter V).
Social and Religious Implications
Public Worship
In places of collective worship, Muslims traditionally sit on the ground. This practice reinforces the sense of equality and humility before God, emphasizing that material status and social standing are irrelevant in the eyes of the Divine.
Social Gatherings
In social settings, hierarchical seating arrangements reflect respect and social order. Individuals of lower social status traditionally sit at lower levels compared to their superiors, echoing broader social norms and underscoring the importance of humility, respect, and social harmony within the community.
Practical Applications
The way Muslims sit during religious and social events serves as a living testament to Islamic values of humility, respect, and emulation of the Prophet Muhammad. These practices encourage Muslims to embody the virtues demonstrated by the Prophet in their daily lives and interactions.
Books For Further Studies
- “The Way of the Prophet: A Selection of Hadith” by Shaykh ‘Abd al-Ghaffar Hasan
- “The Life of the Prophet Muhammad (4 Volumes)” by Ibn Kathir
- “Forty Hadith” by Imam al-Nawawi
- “Islamic Manners” by Shaykh Abdul-Fattah Abu Ghuddah
Takeaways and Conclusion
Sitting (julūs) in the specific manners described in Islamic traditions demonstrates the profound attention to detail and reverence for the Prophet Muhammad’s actions among Muslims. These practices are more than mere physical acts—they are expressions of humility, respect, and devotion.
Understanding and acknowledging such nuanced aspects of Islamic tradition enrich our comprehension of the faith’s cultural and religious fabric, encouraging a deeper appreciation for its rituals and ethical teachings.
By comprehending these details, one can gain a more holistic appreciation of Islamic customs and the ways in which they nurture humility, reverence, and social coherence among Muslims.
