Turbah

Turbah (Arabic: تربة, Persian: تربت) refers to a small piece of clay or soil, often molded into a tablet, used by Shia Muslims during their daily prayers. It serves as a permissible and pure object upon which to prostrate (Sujud).

Significance and Use:

The use of Turbah is based on the Shia interpretation of Islamic teachings regarding the permissibility of prostrating on earth or natural materials derived from the earth. Prostration directly on a turbah is considered a highly virtuous act.

The most preferred type of Turbah is that made from the soil of Karbala, the site of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (a), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Other permissible materials include soil from Medina, Najaf, or any clean and pure earth.

During prayer, the Turbah is placed in front of the worshipper, and the forehead is placed upon it during the act of prostration, which signifies humility and submission to God. The use of Turbah helps to maintain ritual purity and allows for a more focused connection with the divine.