❖ Authored by: Dr. Rida ʿAbdullāh Pāshā ḥafiẓahullāh
❖ Question:
Which action is more severe upon Shayṭān than iron?
❖ Answer:
Moving the index finger during Tashahhud in prayer.
❖ Evidence and Explanation
It is reported that ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar (RA), when sitting during prayer (in the position of Tashahhud), would:
✔ Place his hands on his knees,
✔ Point with his index finger,
✔ And keep his gaze fixed upon it.
He then said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ stated:
“It is harsher upon Shayṭān than iron.”
(i.e., moving the index finger during Tashahhud is more painful to Shayṭān than being struck with iron.)
(Ṣifat al-Ṣalāh, p. 140)
❖ Conclusion
The movement of the index finger during Tashahhud is not only a Sunnah practice, but it also holds immense spiritual power—striking fear into Shayṭān more than iron would.
It is a symbolic affirmation of Tawḥīd (monotheism) and the Oneness of Allah, making it a powerful act in both ritual and spiritual defense.
