What is the evidence for clasping the hands in prayer generally, and specifically after bowing, and what is the reason for the difference in this matter? Did this difference regarding clasping and releasing the hands occur during the era of the Companions or after them? And if both methods were authentically established from the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, which of them was more commonly practiced?

The majority of scholars agree on the permissibility of qabd in prayer (placing the right hand over the left), unlike many Malikis who advocated for irsal (letting the hands hang down). Ibn Abd al-Barr supported this by mentioning Imam Malik's inclusion of it in al-Muwatta. Many pieces of evidence indicate the permissibility of qabd, including the hadith of Sahl ibn Sa'd: "The people were commanded to place the right hand on the left forearm in prayer," and the hadith of Wa'il ibn Hujr, describing the Prophet's prayer, peace and blessings be upon him, and his placing of his right hand over his left on his chest. Qabd is a sunnah, not an obligation, and prayer is not invalidated by its omission. Scholars have differed on the permissibility of qabd after rising from rukūʿ (bowing). Some affirmed its permissibility based on the general scope of the evidence, while others did not affirm it due to the absence of specific evidence. Ibn Hajar al-Haytami, Ibn Uthaymeen, and Ibn Baz issued fatwas affirming the permissibility of qabd after rising from rukūʿ. The disagreement on this issue is broad and does not necessitate accusing others of innovation or misguidance.