Qiyām (, "orthostasis/standing") is an integral part of the Islamic salah. The prayer begins in the standing position and some prayers only require the qiyām, such as Salat al-Janazah. In the Quran To "stand before God" is sometimes used in the Quran in reference to the Islamic prayer. Overview A general unit or cycle of salah called raka'ah is commenced while standing and saying the takbir, which is الله أَڪْبَر (transliteration "Allahu-akbar", meaning God is Greatest). The hands are raised level with shoulders or level with top of the ears, with fingers apart and not spaced out or together. It is in this position that sections of the Quran are recited. I'tidāl is straightening up from ruku' to stand a second time. The back is straightened and the following is said سمع الله لمن حمده (transliteration “Sami' Allaahu liman hamidah”, meaning “Allah listens and responds to the one who praises him”). Additionally, some of many praises to God for this situation is said such as ربنا لك الحمد (transliteration “Rabbanaa wa lakal-hamd”, meaning “O our Lord! And all praise is for You”). The takbir is said again and the worshipper moves into prostration. Types of prayers In the five daily prayers, sunnah salat (the voluntary, additional prayers) and most other prayers, qiyām is one part of the prayer. In salat al-Janazah, the Islamic funeral prayer which is part of the Islamic funeral ritual, the entire prayer consists of qiyām. Sayings during qiyām Most of the reciting of the Quran that occurs during Islamic prayer is done while in qiyām. The first chapter of the Quran, Al-Fatiha, is recited while standing. Sahih Muslim recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Prophet said, «» (Whoever performs any prayer in which he did not read Umm Al-Qur'an, then his prayer is incomplete.) Additionally, recitations from any other section from the Quran of choice is followed in the first or second raka’ah. Position of hands in qiyām Where the hands are placed in qiyām varies among the different Islamic schools and branches. These differences have manifested into the qabd-sadl dispute. Among Sunnis, several hadith indicate that qabd (praying with arms crossed) is desirable, if not obligatory; however, sadl (arms hanging by the sides) is still preferred among many Malikis. The debate predominantly exists in Maliki-practicing areas, such as Northern Nigeria, due to the influence of other Sunni schools. Sunni view Hanafi For Hanafis, men