Qabd (Folding the Arms in Prayer)
The practice of folding the arms over the chest or below the navel during the standing position in prayer.
Qabd refers to the practice of placing the right hand over the left on the chest, stomach, or below the navel during the standing position (qiyam) in prayer. This is the dominant practice in most Sunni schools of law, based on several narrations from the Prophet (peace be upon him).
In Sahih al-Bukhari, it is narrated that Sahl ibn Sa'd said: "People were commanded to place the right hand on the left forearm in prayer." The four Sunni schools of law differ, however, in the precise placement: the Hanafi school prefers below the navel, the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools prefer on the chest, and the Maliki school permits both but also has a tradition of irsal (arms hanging down).
Qabd is considered a sunnah act (not obligatory), and there is consensus among Sunni scholars that the prayer is valid whether one practices qabd or irsal. Imam al-Nawawi mentions in al-Majmu' that the wisdom behind qabd is to show humility and submission before Allah.
Related terms
Salat al-Istikhara (Guidance Prayer)
A prayer where one asks Allah for guidance to make the right decision.
Hayya ala Khayr al-Amal (Come to the Best of Deeds)
The third exhortation in the Shia adhan: "Come to the best of deeds".
Salat al-Ghufaylah (Prayer Between Maghrib and Isha)
A specially recommended prayer prayed between Maghrib and Isha in Shia Islam.
Tahajjud (Night Prayer)
The voluntary night prayer performed in the last third of the night.
Salat al-Musafir (Traveler's Prayer)
The shortened prayers that travelers perform while traveling.
Sha'ban (The Prophet's Month)
The eighth Islamic month, with special emphasis on the 15th night.