Qiyam (Standing Position)

Qiyam (Arabic: قيام) means "to stand upright" and is the standing position in the Islamic prayer (salah). Qiyam is one of the prayer's obligatory pillars (arkan) — without it, the prayer is invalid for those who are able to stand. During qiyam, the worshipper recites Surah Al-Fatiha and an additional surah from the Quran.

According to Shia jurisprudence, the worshipper must stand fully upright and still during qiyam. Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him) said in Nahj al-Balagha: "When you stand for prayer, stand as though you see Allah. If you do not see Him, then know that He sees you." This statement emphasizes the importance of combining the physical position with inner awareness (khushu).

In Shia fiqh, there are specific rules for qiyam: the hands should hang down along the sides (irsal), not be folded across the chest or stomach. This is based on narrations from Ahl al-Bayt (the Prophet's household). Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: "You should let your arms hang when you pray" (Al-Kafi, vol. 3, Kitab al-Salah).

For those who cannot stand, it is permitted to pray sitting, and if that is also not possible, one may pray lying down. The Quran says: "Those who remember Allah standing, sitting and lying on their sides" (Surah Aal-Imran 3:191). Qiyam al-Layl (night standing prayer) is a special form of voluntary worship performed in the late night hours and is highly recommended in Shia tradition.