Prayer bump
Encyclopedia
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. Some Muslims also believe that on the day of judgement, this bump will particularly fluoresce an immense white light.
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.
Raisin
Raisins are dried grapes. They are produced in many regions of the world. Raisins may be eaten raw or used in cooking, baking and brewing...
" in Arabic), is a mark on the forehead of a Muslim
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
, apparently due to the friction generated from the contact of the forehead with the prayer mat
Prayer mat
A prayer rug or prayer mat, , is a piece of fabric to keep the worshipper clean and comfortable during the sajda of salat...
. Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
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. Some Muslims also believe that on the day of judgement, this bump will particularly fluoresce an immense white light.
The prayer bump can take the form of a discolouration of the skin, caused by repeated chafing and the build-up of callus
Callus
A callus is an especially toughened area of skin which has become relatively thick and hard in response to repeated friction, pressure, or other irritation. Rubbing that is too frequent or forceful will cause blisters rather than allow calluses to form. Since repeated contact is required, calluses...
. 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.
External links
- Reference to a prayer bump in 'Men, Women and God(s)'
- http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/66/Mustafa_Abdul_Jalil.jpg/The prayer bump of Mustafa Abdul JalilMustafa Abdul JalilMustafa Abdul Jalil or Abdul-Jalil is the Chairman of the National Transitional Council of Libya, and as such serves as head of state in Libya's caretaker government which was formed as a result of the 2011 Libyan civil war. He is also a spokesman for the city of Bayda...
] - Mention of a prayer scar in Middle East Report
- Mention of a prayer scar in Occupation Magazine
