Back to search

Is the narration of Wa'il ibn Hujr, which is authentically established regarding the raising of the index finger between the two prostrations, anomalous (shadhdh)? And is it acted upon? And what is the authenticity of Al-Albani's interpretation of moving the index finger in the two Tashahhuds as a shaking when supplicating, citing the narration of Wa'il ibn Hujr: "He moves it, supplicating with it"?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Two methods are mentioned regarding the placement of the right hand during the tashahhud: the first is to clench the pinky and ring finger, extend the index finger, and form a circle with the thumb and middle finger. The second is to clench all fingers except the index finger, and place the thumb on the middle finger. Both of these methods are authentically reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and the worshiper may choose whichever they wish, or alternate between them. As for pointing with the index finger, the majority of scholars hold that it should only occur during the tashahhud sitting, in contrast to those who believe it also occurs between the two prostrations. It is sunnah for the worshiper to point with the right index finger from the beginning of the tashahhud until its end. As for moving the index finger during the tashahhud, the majority of scholars hold that it is not sunnah; rather, one should merely point without moving it. However, others see it as desirable to move it, and this is a matter of jurisprudential difference of opinion. These minor jurisprudential issues should not be given more weight than they deserve.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

Read the full answer on Ftawy