Correct Position of Hands in Salah and the Method After Rukūʿ
Source: Aḥkām wa Masā’il – Discussion on Ṣalāh, Volume 1, Page 132
❖ Question
Where should a worshipper place his hands during prayer — on the chest, below the chest, or under the navel?
And after rising from rukūʿ, where should he place his hands?
❖ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd!
✔ Position of Hands During Prayer:
The worshipper should place his hands upon his chest.
✔ Position of Hands After Rukūʿ:
After standing up from rukūʿ, he should leave his hands hanging freely by his sides.
◈ Evidence from Ḥadīth
From Wāʾil ibn Ḥujr (RA):
“I prayed with the Prophet ﷺ, and he placed his right hand over his left hand upon his chest.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Khuzaymah 1/243, Musnad Aḥmad 5/287)
✅ Conclusion:
- In prayer, hands are to be placed on the chest.
- After rukūʿ, upon standing, the hands should be left loose at the sides, not folded again.
“ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب“
