Qiyam

What is Qiyam?

Qiyam — literally "standing" — is the posture that opens every rakah of the Islamic prayer. Standing with humility and attention, the worshipper places the right hand over the left on the chest (in the majority Sunni Sunna), recites Surah al-Fatihah, then a portion of the Quran, before descending into ruku. It is a pillar (rukn) of the prayer for whoever is physically able to stand.

Its Rulings

Allah says: "Guard strictly the prayers, especially the middle prayer, and stand before Allah in devout obedience" (Quran 2:238). The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said to a Companion who was suffering: "Pray standing; if you cannot, then sitting; if you cannot, then on your side" (Bukhari 1117). Anyone who cannot stand — through illness, injury, or genuine incapacity — prays sitting, then reclining, until only intention and gesture remain. Islam removes the burden of standing when it becomes a hardship.

What Is Recited During Qiyam

• The opening supplication (dua al-istiftah) in a low voice after the takbiratul-ihram.
• The ta'awwudh ("A'udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim") and basmala.
• Surah al-Fatihah — a pillar of the prayer without which the rakah is not valid, in the view of the majority.
• A portion of the Quran of any length after al-Fatihah in the first two rakahs of the daily prayers.

Qiyam al-Layl (Night Prayer)

The word "qiyam" is also used for the voluntary night prayer — Qiyam al-Layl, of which the last portion is Tahajjud. Allah says: "And in a part of the night, offer the tahajjud, an additional prayer for you..." (Quran 17:79). The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best prayer after the obligatory ones is the night prayer" (Muslim 1163). Standing in the depth of the night, reciting the Quran, weeping in supplication, is the practice of the righteous through every generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I cannot stand for the whole prayer, is my prayer valid?

Yes. Whoever cannot stand due to illness or injury prays sitting; whoever cannot sit prays lying on the right side facing the Qibla, or on the back with feet toward it. The Prophet ﷺ taught this and Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity (Quran 2:286).

Is Qiyam al-Layl the same as Tarawih?

Tarawih is a specific form of Qiyam al-Layl performed in congregation during the nights of Ramadan. Outside Ramadan, Qiyam al-Layl (including Tahajjud) is prayed individually. Both are highly rewarded night prayers rooted in the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.