Thematic investigation of the meaning of rak'atin jurisprudential issues

Among the very practical concepts in the rules of prayer (Ahkaame Namaaz) is the Shar’i concept of rak’at. Understanding the shar’i meaning of the term rak'at has a significant impact on various issues of prayer, such as the principle of “Man Adrak” and “doubt in the raka'aat of prayer”. There are different points of view in explaining the Shar'i meaning of rak'at, which are obtained from the evidences and narrations entered in the issues of prayer. Some consider rak'at to be the completion of bowing (roku’), some others consider rak'at to complete prostration (Sajdeh), some consider it necessary to say zekr, and some other jurists also consider lifting the head from sajdah to be included in the concept of rak'at. In the following article, after stating the literal and idiomatic meanings of rak'at, various opinions and evidences of each are discussed, and then by criticizing and examining the opinions, finally, the fourth statement i.e. the necessity of lifting the head from sajdah in accomplishment rak'at, is accepted. It is due to the problems encountered The first three theories and the various evidences and narrations that support the last one.