Prayer bump
A prayer bump or prayer scar, also known as a zabiba/zebiba/zebibah ("raisin" in Arabic), is a mark on the forehead of a Muslim, apparently due to the friction generated from the contact of the forehead with the prayer mat. Islam generally requires its adherents to pray five times a day (known as salah), which involves kneeling on a prayer mat and touching the ground with one's forehead. When done for extended periods of time, a prayer bump may develop. Some Muslims may consider the presence of a prayer bump to be a sign of religious dedication and piety.[1] Some Muslims also believe that on the day of judgement, this bump will particularly fluoresce an immense white light.[2]
The prayer bump can take the form of a discolouration of the skin, caused by repeated chafing and the build-up of callus. In extreme cases, the callus can be thick enough to create a real bump that protrudes from the forehead. They may also develop due to frequent prayer on hard surfaces such as stone floors.
[edit] References in literature
Paul Theroux mentions dealing with a Sudanese official with a prayer bump in his book Dark Star Safari.
The Prayer Bump is referred to as a mark or trace of prostration (does not have to be an actual "bump"; it can carry more of a metaphorical meaning) in Koran 048:029.
[edit] References
- ^ Michael Slackman (December 18, 2007). "Fashion and Faith Meet, on Foreheads of the Pious". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/18/world/africa/18egypt.html. Retrieved 2011-01-10.
- ^ Magdi Abdelhadi (23 June 2008). "Signs of division on Egypt's brow". BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7469221.stm. Retrieved 2011-01-10.
[edit] External links
- Reference to a prayer bump in 'Men, Women and God(s)'
- The prayer bump of Mustafa Abdul Jalil
- Mention of a prayer scar in Middle East Report
- Mention of a prayer scar in Occupation Magazine
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