Sunnah Method of Placing the Arms During Tashahhud
Derived from: Fatawa Ulama-e-Hadith, Kitab al-Salah, Volume 1❖ Question:
What is the ruling on stretching the left arm and bending the right arm during Tashahhud? Please explain in detail.
❖ Sunnah Method of Sitting in Tashahhud
The correct method of sitting and placing the arms during Tashahhud is clearly established through authentic Ahadith. The Companions accurately reported the manner in which the Prophet ﷺ performed this part of the prayer.
❖ Hadith Reference:
Narrated by Wa’il ibn Hujr (RA):
"Then he (the Prophet ﷺ) sat, placed his left foot flat on the ground, placed his left hand on his left thigh, and positioned his right elbow on his right thigh."
(Sunan Abi Dawood – Bab al-Tashahhud; also in Sunan al-Darimi)
❖ Explanation:
Left Arm (بایاں بازو):- The Prophet ﷺ would place his left hand naturally on the left thigh, without stretching or tensing the arm.
- No evidence supports any special bending or extending of the left arm.
Right Arm (دایاں بازو):- The right elbow was positioned on the right thigh, indicating a slight bend in the arm.
- This positioning facilitates the pointing with the index finger, which is also a Sunnah during Tashahhud.
❖ Summary:
✔ The left arm should be placed in a relaxed and natural manner on the left thigh.
✔ The right arm should have a slight bend, with the elbow resting on the thigh, enabling proper movement of the index finger for tashahhud.
This is the authentic and Sunnah-based method, as demonstrated by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and reported by his Companions.
