The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together)

Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1159

Hadith Text

"I came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and I saw him raising his hands when he started to pray until they were in level with his shoulders, and when he wanted to bow. When he sat following the first two rak'ahs, he sat on his left foot and held the right foot upright. He placed his right hand on his right thigh and raised his finger for the supplication, and he placed his left hand on his left thigh." He said: "Then I came the following year and I saw them raising their hands inside their Baranis."

Commentary on Prayer Postures

The raising of hands at prayer commencement and before bowing demonstrates the Sunnah method of Takbir. The hands reaching shoulder level indicates moderation - neither excessively high nor too low, following the Prophet's balanced practice.

The sitting posture described is the authentic Tashahhud position: sitting on the left foot while keeping the right foot upright (Iftirash). This position maintains proper orientation toward the Qibla while allowing stability during recitation.

Finger Gesture in Supplication

The raising of the index finger during Tashahhud signifies Tawhid (Divine Unity). Scholars differ whether to move it slightly or keep it still, but agree it points toward the Qibla as a physical manifestation of testifying to Allah's Oneness.

The right hand placement on the right thigh while the left rests on the left thigh creates a posture of humility and attentiveness before the Divine Presence.

Evolution in Practice

The final observation about raising hands "inside their Baranis" (cloaks) the following year shows how Companions preserved the Prophet's teachings while adapting to practical circumstances. This demonstrates the living tradition of Sunnah - maintaining the essence while accommodating external changes.