Applicable Translations Indonesia عربي

128 - Chapter on the permissibility of lying flat on one’s back and putting one leg over the other unless the ‘Awrah is feared to be uncovered and the permissibility of sitting cross-legged and squatting

820/1 - ‘Abdullāh ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that he saw the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) lying flat on his back in the mosque, with one leg resting on the other. [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

Guidance from the Hadīth:

1) It is permissible to lie flat on one’s back with one leg over the other, during times of rest, not when people are gathering.

2) It is permissible to lie down, recline, or rest in any manner in the mosque, provided the ‘Awrah is safe from being uncovered.

Benefit:

Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) forbade putting one leg over the other when lying on one’s back. [Narrated by Muslim]

Commenting on this Hadīth, Al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy upon him) said: “The scholars said: The Hadīths involving the forbiddance of lying down with one leg over the other are taken to refer to the cases where the ‘Awrah or part of it can be seen; but as for the Prophet’s action, it was done in a way that did not uncover the ‘Awrah. So, reclining in this manner is acceptable and not disliked. Allah knows best.” [Sharh Sahīh Muslim]

821/2 - Jābir ibn Samurah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “When the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) performed the Fajr prayer, he would sit cross-legged in the same place where he had prayed till the sun shone brightly.” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd and others, with authentic Isnāds]

822/3 - Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “I saw the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) in the courtyard of the Ka‘bah, squatting like this,” and he described the squatting with his hands. [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri]

823/4 - Qaylah bint Makhramah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: “I saw the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) squatting. When I saw the Prophet in such a humble sitting position, I trembled with fear.” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd and Al-Tirmidhi]

824/5 - ِAl-Sharīd ibn Suwayd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) passed by me when I was sitting with my left hand behind my back and leaning on my palm. On seeing me in this posture, he said: “Do you sit like those with whom Allah is angry?” [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd, with an authentic Isnād]

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Guidance from the Hadīths:

1) It is permissible to sit cross-legged or squatting. This gives people leeway in this respect.

2) The appearance and attitude of the believers should make others hold them in awe. But why do our enemies not fear us? The reason for this weakness: our love for worldly life and hate of death. We ought to revive faith within the Ummah again!

3) It is forbidden to sit like those with whom Allah Almighty is angry, with the hand behind the back and the palm on the ground, while resting on it.

Note:

The Shariah prohibits imitation of disbelieving nations in general, which includes those with whom Allah Almighty is angry, i.e. the Jews. This Muslim Ummah should be distinct in all things, even in the manner of sitting.