What is the ruling on yawning during prayer, and is it obligatory to place the right hand over the mouth when yawning to prevent Satan from entering?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Regarding placing the hand over the mouth when yawning, it is recommended both during prayer and outside of it. The did not specify the right hand, but some scholars mentioned that the left hand is more appropriate because it is used to remove harm. The Malikis disliked covering the mouth with the palm of the left hand, preferring to use the back of it, or the right hand, whether with its back or palm. All of this is by way of recommendation and preference, and what is required is to cover the mouth when yawning.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/60484
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 60484
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy