What is the prescribed manner for extending the fingers when raising the hands for *Takbir*?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is recommended to extend the fingers and bring them close together, based on the narration of Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (peace be upon him) raised his hands while extending them (*maddan*). Furthermore, scholars of Arabic language indicate that 'extending' (*madd*) implies bringing them close together, while 'spreading' (*nashr*) implies separation.
Supporting text
Al-Shafi'i holds that the Sunnah is to separate the fingers, based on a narration from Abu Hurairah stating the Prophet (peace be upon him) spread his fingers for the *Takbir*. However, this narration is considered erroneous, and 'spreading' does not necessarily mean separation in the sense of scattering, as it can apply to a single unified item.