FatwaPerlisEthics, Remembrance & Supplication
Apa Yang Dimaksudkan Dengan Duduk Ihtibak? Ada Orang Kata Haram Duduk Secara Ihtibak
What is meant by sitting in the ihtiba' posture, and is it forbidden?
Short answer
Ihtiba' is sitting with the back and both shins drawn together using a cloth, the hands or something else.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Perlis State Mufti Department
- Date
- Status
- Opinion (irsyad)
- Series
- Panduan Hukum
- Topic
- Ethics, Remembrance & Supplication
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
Ihtiba' is sitting with the back and both shins drawn together using a cloth, the hands or something else. It is regarded as disliked (makruh) while the imam delivers the Friday sermon, because it can cause drowsiness and prevent one from listening, and it is not ruled as forbidden. If the posture does not cause drowsiness or actually increases alertness, it is permissible. A sitting style considered impolite in a given society should be avoided.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Jika ia membawa kepada mengantuk, maka makruh, jika tidak membawa kepada mengantuk, ia diharuskan.
Read the full fatwa on the Perlis website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Perlis State Mufti Department. “Apa Yang Dimaksudkan Dengan Duduk Ihtibak? Ada Orang Kata Haram Duduk Secara Ihtibak”, 12 June 2025. https://muftiperlis.gov.my/index.php/panduan-hukum/1124-apa-yang-dimaksudkan-dengan-duduk-ihtibak-ada-orang-kata-haram-duduk-secara-ihtibak. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/ruling-on-sitting-ihtiba-during-friday-sermon/