استووا
istawū
The phrase "straighten the rows" in Arabic is استووا (istawū), which is the default form.
The specific imperative استووا is used by an Imam (prayer leader) to direct a congregation of men to align themselves for prayer.
Which one should you use?
The phrase قَوِّمُوا الصُّفُوفَ is a formal way to instruct individuals to straighten the rows.
How do you pronounce it?
istawū
Did you know?
- The verb used in استووا is the same root used in Arabic to describe something being level, upright, or even a person being of sound mind and character.
- The emphasis on the 'rows' الصُّفُوفَ is so strong that some mosques use laser lines or markers on the carpet to help worshippers achieve perfect alignment.
- When an Imam says استووا, worshippers may physically nudge their neighbors or use their shoulders to ensure there are no gaps in the line.
Examples in context
- Shaddū as-ṣufūf, ya shabāb!Straighten the rows, guys!
- Raddimu as-ṣufūf qabl an yuqaddama al-khaṭībStraighten the rows before the speaker comes forward
- استووا في الصفوف يا شباب.istawū fī al-ṣufūf yā shabāb.Straighten the rows, young men.
- استووا، فالصلاة ستبدأ الآن.istawū, fal-ṣalātu satabda'u al-ān.Straighten the rows, for the prayer will begin now.
Example conversation
Two people are preparing for congregational prayer at a mosque.
- مريم Maryamيا زياد، انظر إلى الصفوف.Yā Ziyād, unẓur ilā aṣ-ṣufūf.Ziad, look at the rows.
- زياد Ziadنعم، إنها غير مستوية.Naʿam, innahā ghayr mustawiya.Yes, they are not straight.
- مريم Maryamقل للمصلين: استووا.Qul lil-muṣallīn: istawū.Tell the worshippers: straighten the rows.
- زياد Ziadحاضر، سأفعل ذلك الآن.Ḥāḍir, sa-afʿal dhālika al-ān.Okay, I will do that now.
