Four Rulings on Hand Placement in Salah According to Authentic Hadiths
Derived from: Fatāwā Arkan-e-Islam
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!
Placing the right hand over the left during prayer is an established Sunnah. As narrated by Sahl ibn Sa‘d رضي الله عنه:
"People were instructed to place their right hand over their left forearm during prayer."
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Kitāb al-Adhān, Bāb Wadh‘ al-Yumnā ‘ala al-Yusrā, Ḥadīth: 740)
This command reflects the consistent practice of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions.
The most correct view is that hands should be placed on the chest. This is based on the narration of Wā’il ibn Ḥujr رضي الله عنه:
"The Prophet ﷺ would place his right hand over his left hand on his chest."
(Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Khuzaymah: 479, al-Bayhaqī: 2/30)
Although there may be slight weakness in this chain, the content is corroborated by other sound narrations, making it the strongest view overall.
➡ In comparison, the narration of Wā’il ibn Ḥujr is far stronger and more authentic.
According to the compiler’s research:
✔ There is no authentic evidence that commands a different method for women.
✔ Hence, both men and women are to follow the same hand placement—on the chest—unless a clear text suggests otherwise.
✦ Placing the right hand over the left in prayer is Sunnah.
✦ The correct position is on the chest, not below the navel or over the heart.
✦ This ruling applies equally to both men and women.
✦ Adhering to this practice preserves the authentic way of the Prophet ﷺ.
وبالله التوفيق
Derived from: Fatāwā Arkan-e-Islam
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!
❖ ① Placing the Right Hand Over the Left – A Prophetic Sunnah
Placing the right hand over the left during prayer is an established Sunnah. As narrated by Sahl ibn Sa‘d رضي الله عنه:
"People were instructed to place their right hand over their left forearm during prayer."
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Kitāb al-Adhān, Bāb Wadh‘ al-Yumnā ‘ala al-Yusrā, Ḥadīth: 740)
This command reflects the consistent practice of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions.❖ ② Placement on the Chest – Most Authentic Position
The most correct view is that hands should be placed on the chest. This is based on the narration of Wā’il ibn Ḥujr رضي الله عنه:
"The Prophet ﷺ would place his right hand over his left hand on his chest."
(Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Khuzaymah: 479, al-Bayhaqī: 2/30)
Although there may be slight weakness in this chain, the content is corroborated by other sound narrations, making it the strongest view overall.❖ ③ Placing Hands Below the Navel or Over the Heart – Not Proven
- Placing hands on the left side of the chest over the heart has no basis in Sunnah.
This is considered an innovation (bid‘ah). - Placing hands below the navel is sometimes attributed to an athar from ‘Alī رضي الله عنه, but the narration is weak.
➡ In comparison, the narration of Wā’il ibn Ḥujr is far stronger and more authentic.
❖ ④ Ruling for Men and Women – No Distinction
According to the compiler’s research:
✔ There is no authentic evidence that commands a different method for women.
✔ Hence, both men and women are to follow the same hand placement—on the chest—unless a clear text suggests otherwise.
Conclusion
✦ Placing the right hand over the left in prayer is Sunnah.
✦ The correct position is on the chest, not below the navel or over the heart.
✦ This ruling applies equally to both men and women.
✦ Adhering to this practice preserves the authentic way of the Prophet ﷺ.
وبالله التوفيق
