Bayhaqi 2333 — Placing the right hand on the left in prayer

Ghazwan bin Jarir narrates from his father that he used to spend most of his time with Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him). He said that when Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) stood for prayer, he would say the takbir and place his right hand upon the wrist of his left hand, then he would remain in that position until he bowed (that is, he remained in that position until he performed ruku'), only scratching his body or adjusting his garment when there was a need. When he gave the salam, he would give the salam to his right side, saying 'As-salamu alaykum', then he would give the salam to his left side, then he would move his lips. We did not know what he was reciting. Then he would say: 'La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah, la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah, la na'budu illa iyyah' (There is no god but Allah, He is alone and has no partner; there is no power to do good and no strength to avoid evil except from Him; we worship none but Him). Then he would turn his face towards the people.
He did not mind whether he turned away from the right side or from the left side (that is, sometimes he turned from the right side and sometimes from the left side).
This chain is hasan (good).