Question

Is this narration regarding releasing the hands in Salah and not folding it while in qiyam authentic?

وحدثني عبد الرحمن بن إبراهيم عن عبد الله بن يحيى المعافري عن حيوة عن بكر بن عمرو: أنه لم ير أبا أمامة – يعني ابن سهل – واضعا إحدى يديه على الأخرى قط، ولا أحدا من أهل المدينة، حتى قدم الشام، فرأى الأوزاعي، وناسا يضعونه

Translation

Bakr ibn ‘Amr Al Ma’afiri never saw Sayyiduna Abu Umamah As’ad ibn Sahl ibn Hunayf (radiyallahu ‘anhu) placing one hand on the other [in Salah] nor did he see anyone in Madinah [doing so]. When he went to Syria he saw Imam Awza’i (rahimahullah) and others placing one hand on the other.

Answer

Imam Abu Zur’ah (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration with an acceptable chain.

(Tarikh Abu Zur’ah, pg. 319, Hadith: 1785)

Note: I have merely answered your question regarding the authenticity of the narration. This should not be viewed as a Fiqh ruling. The Fuqaha (Jurist) who are of the opinion that a person should fold his hands in Salah have also presented numerous proofs.

The narration in question also explains the fact that there is a difference of opinion, which deserves due respect.

Kindly consult a reputable Mufti/Darul Ifta for further clarification.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar