Is extending the hand in prayer correctly attributed to Imam Malik?
The narrations concerning Malik differed regarding the placement of the right hand over the left in prayer, and letting them hang (by the sides). Some considered it disliked (makrooh), some permissible in both supererogatory and obligatory prayers, and some recommended (mustahabb). Malik mentioned it in the Muwatta', citing the of Sahl ibn Sa'd as evidence. This has been transmitted from the Prophet, peace be upon him, in numerous hadiths, and the narrations from the Prophet, peace be upon him, regarding it do not differ. This is the view of the majority of the Companions and the Tabi'in, and most Muslim jurists. There is no basis for disliking it, nor for differentiating between supererogatory and obligatory prayers. As for the position of placing the hands, some said there is no known specific position, while the Maliki stated placing them below the chest and above the navel. Abu Hanifa said below the navel. This issue should not be a cause for disagreement and denunciation among people, as placing the hands (qabd) is a confirmed Sunnah and not an obligation.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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