What is the prescribed manner of placing the hands during the sitting for the *Tashahhud*?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is recommended for the worshipper, when sitting for the *Tashahhud*, to place the left hand on the left thigh, keeping the fingers extended and joined, with the tips of the fingers facing the Qibla. The right hand is placed on the right thigh, where the little finger and the ring finger are held closed, the thumb and middle finger form a circle, and the index finger is raised in indication. This is based on the narration of Wa'il ibn Hujr, where the Prophet (peace be upon him) placed his right elbow on his right thigh, formed a circle with the middle and thumb fingers, and raised the index finger in indication.
Supporting text
It is narrated from Abu Abdullah (Ahmad) that one may gather the three fingers (excluding the index finger) and fold the thumb as in the sign for fifty (Coptic fifty). It is also reported that the little and ring fingers should be extended to face the Qibla. The former is preferable for emulating the Prophet (peace be upon him). Furthermore, the index finger should be raised when mentioning Allah during the *Tashahhud* but not moved, based on the narration of Abdullah ibn Zubayr: 'The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to point with his finger and not move it.'