Placing the right hand on the left

This is a sunan act

The sunan acts in the solah are the actions that Rasulullah s.a.w said or did in solah.

If one leaves it out, there is no sin upon him, BUT, it is best not to leave it as

1. we are following the sunnah

2. we got extra rewards for it.

This is the second sunan act we learn. Do you remember the first one?

– To raise our hand either to the ears or shoulder when pronouncing the takbir

A new sunan today that is to place the right hand on the left.

How do we put our hand?

There are two ways of placing the right hand on the left hand when praying:

1 – The right hand is placed on the left hand, wrist and forearm.

Characteristics of Prayer
Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 12 :: Hadith 707

Narrated Sahl bin Sa’d:

The people were ordered to place the right hand on the left forearm in the prayer. Abu Hazim said, “I knew that the order was from the Prophet .”

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“We Prophets have been commanded to delay our suhoor and to break our fast straight away, and to place our right hands over our left hands when praying.” (narrated by Ibn Hibbaan in al-Saheeh, 3/13-14).

Abu Dawood (726) and al-Nasaa’i (889) narrated that Waa’il ibn Hujr said: I said: I am going to watch how the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) prays. So I watched him, and he stood and said takbeer, raising his hands until they were level with his ears. Then he placed his right hand on his left hand, wrist and forearm…

Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.

Al-Sindi said in Haashiyat al-Nasaa’i:

Then he placed his right hand on the back of his left hand, wrist and forearm.

The wrist is the joint between the hand and forearm. What is meant is that he placed his hand so that the middle of his right hand was on the wrist, which means that part of it was on the left hand and part was on the forearm.

2 – The right hand is clasped over the left.

Al-Nasaa’i (88) narrated that Waa’il ibn Hujr (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I saw the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) when he was standing in prayer; he clasped his right hand over his left.

Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i.

Al-Albaani (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Sifat Salaat al-Nabi (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) (The Prophet’s Prayer Described) p. 68:

He would place his right hand over the back of his left hand, wrist and forearm, and he told his companions to do likewise. Sometimes he would clasp his right hand over his left, and place them on his chest.

Where should the hand be placed?

As for where the hands are to be placed, it is on the chest.

Ibn Khuzaymah (479) narrated that Waa’il ibn Hujr (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I prayed with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and he placed his right hand over his left hand on his chest.

Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Tahqeeq Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah.

Al-Albaani said in Sifat Salaat al-Nabi (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) (p. 69):

Placing them (the hands) on the chest is what is established in the Sunnah, and doing otherwise is either weak (based on weak evidence) or has no basis.

Al-Sindi said in Haashiyat Ibn Maajah:

Just as it is Sunnah to clasp the hands and not let them hang by one’s sides, it is proven that they are to be placed in the chest, not elsewhere. As for the hadeeth “It is Sunnah to place one hand over the other beneath the navel when praying”, the scholars are agreed that it is da’eef (weak).

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:

This method – i.e., placing the hands beneath the navel – is what is prescribed according to the well known view of the madhhab, and there is a hadeeth narrated from ‘Ali which says “It is Sunnah to place the right hand over the left beneath the navel when praying.” It was narrated by Abu Dawood and classed as da’eef (weak) by al-Nawawi, Ibn Hajar and others.

Some scholars are of the view that the hands may be placed above the navel. This was stated by Imam Ahmad.

Even though there are differences of opinions to where we should place the hand, Insya Allah we will adhere to what is the clearest that is on the chest. Allah knows best.

What we need to do
1. Place right hand at the wrist of left
2. Clasp right hand on left
3. Placed the hands across the chest

Right hand on left

On the chest

Belief in Angels

I read up a book about angels with S and Z. This book is lightly written in rhyming fashion. Written by Moazzam Zaman published by Darussalam.

It’s a wonderful introduction about angels for the children. I find it even more comprehensive than the lessons I had when I was a kid.

Among the content

Maalik is the Supervising Angel of Hell

where the evil will burn and stink

19 angels are under his charge

carrying out Allah’s punishment in a blink.

Angels sometimes appear as men

like Jibraeel who looked neat and fine

when a rosster crows, it has seen an angel

so we make du’a at that time.

For H, though, we went through the same thing but in more depth followed by the dalils.

These notes are written by Ummul Layth, Masya Allah. Jazakillahhu Khayr.

Believing in Angels is part of our faith

As a Muslim, who believes in all the pillars of faith we

1. Belief in the existence of angels

2. Its’ characteristics

3. Its actions. as according to the quran and hadith.

Al-Baqarah 002 Verse 285

The Messenger (Muhammad [sal-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam]) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allâh, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say,) “We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers” – and they say, “We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all).”

From ‘Umar r.a “….he (Jibreel) went on to say, “Inform me about iman (faith).” He (the Messenger of Allah) answered, “It is that you believe in Allah and His angels and His Books and His Messengers and in the Last Day, and in fate (qadar), both in its good and in its evil aspects.” He said, “You have spoken truly.” *ilalakhir*” (Riwayah Muslim) (we have covered this hadith HERE.)

It is an act of kufr to disbelief in angels and its existence.

An-Nisaa’ 004 Verse136

O you who believe! Believe in Allâh, and His Messenger (Muhammad [sal-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam]), and the Book (the Qur’ân) which He has sent down to His Messenger, and the Scripture which He sent down to those before (him); and whosoever disbelieves in Allâh, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Last Day, then indeed he has strayed far away.

Characteristics of the angels
1. They are created before Adam a.s.

Al Baqarah 002.Verse 030

And (remember) when your Lord said to the angels: “Verily, I am going to place (mankind) generations after generations on earth.” They said: “Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood, – while we glorify You with praises and thanks and sanctify You.” He (Allâh) said: “I know that which you do not know.”

We have covered when we talked about Prophet Adam a.s.

2. They were created from light

‘A’isha reported that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: The angels were born out of light and the jinns were born out of the spark of fire and Adam was born as he has been defined (in the Qur’an) for you (i. e. he is fashioned out of clay). (Sahih Muslim, Book #042, Hadith #7134)

3. They can appear as human beings with Allah’s permission

Maryam 019 Verse 016- 017

And mention in the Book (the Qur’ân, O Muhammad [sal-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam], the story of) Maryam (Mary), when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to a place facing east. She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her Our Ruh [angel Jibrâîl (Gabriel)], and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects.

We have also covered the Hadith jibrael a.s. when he came to Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. appearing very clean in white clothes and very black hair. Read it HERE.

4. They have wings

Faatir 035 Verse 001

All praise and thanks are Allâh’s, the (only) Originator [or the (Only) Creator] of the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels messengers with wings, two or three or four. He increases in creation what He wills. Verily, Allâh is Able to do all things.

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “When Allah ordains something on the Heaven the angels beat with their wings in obedience to His Statement which sounds like that of a chain dragged over a rock. His Statement: “Until when the fear is banished from their hearts, the angels say, ‘What was it that your Lord said?’ ‘They reply, ‘(He has said) the Truth. And He is the Most High, The Great. ” (34.23) (Sahih Bukhari, Book #93, Hadith #573)

Narrated Abu Ishaq-Ash-Shaibani: I asked Zir bin Hubaish regarding the Statement of Allah: “And was at a distance of but two bow-lengths Or (even) nearer; So did (Allah) convey The Inspiration to His slave (gabriel) and then he (gabriel) conveyed (that to Muhammad). (53.9-10) On that, Zir said, “Ibn Mas’ud informed us that the Prophet had seen gabriel having 600 wings.” (Sahih Bukhari, Book #54, Hadith #455)

the wings of the angels
– can be two or three or four or six hundred
– When Allah ordains something on the Heaven the angels beat with their wings in obedience to His Statement
– This beating makes the sounds like that of a chain dragged over a rock

The relationship of Angels with Allah

1. The relationship of the angels with Allah is that of pure ‘ubudiyyah, obedience and perfect surrender to Allah’s Orders. They are always obedient, they praise Allah all the time.

As-Soffaat 037 Verses164-166

And there is not one of us (angels) but has his known place (or position); And verily, we (angels) stand in rows (for the prayers as you Muslims stand in rows for your prayers); And verily, we (angels) indeed are those who glorify (Allâh’s Praises, i.e. perform prayers).

2. They are not descendants, sons or daughters of Allah as claimed by the Mushrikoon.

Al-Anbiya’ 021 Verse 026 – 28
And they say: “The Most Gracious (Allâh) has begotten a son (or children).” Glory to Him! They [whom they call children of Allâh i.e. the angels, ‘Isâ (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary), ‘Uzair (Ezra)], are but honoured slaves. They speak not until He has spoken, and they act on His Command. He knows what is before them, and what is behind them, and they cannot intercede except for him with whom He is pleased. And they stand in awe for fear of Him.

Thus are the characteristics of the angels. It is a form of Shirk to worship them, ask them for assistance and refuge and to believe that they have powers on their own. Who do we ask for refuge and assitance? ALLAH.
Ali Imraan 003 Verse 080

Nor would he order you to take angels and Prophets for lords (gods). Would he order you to disbelieve after you have submitted to Allâh’s Will?

The Number of Angels

A huge number that only Allah knows.

Narrated Malik ibn Sasaa, The Prophet SAW said (during Mi’raaj):

……Then I was shown Al-Bait-al-Ma’mur (i.e. Allah’s House). I asked Gabriel about it and he said, This is Al Bait-ul-Ma’mur where 70,000 angels perform prayers daily and when they leave they never return to it (but always a fresh batch comes into it daily). Ilalakhir ( Sahih Bukhari, Book #54, Hadith #429)

Al-Muddatthir 074 Verses 030-031

Over it are nineteen (angels as guardians and keepers of Hell). And We have set none but angels as guardians of the Fire. And We have fixed their number (19) only as a trial for the disbelievers, in order that the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) may arrive at a certainty [that this Qur’ân is the truth as it agrees with their Books regarding the number (19) which is written in the Taurât (Torah) and the Injîl (Gospel)] and that the believers may increase in Faith (as this Qur’ân is the truth), and that no doubt may be left for the people of the Scripture and the believers, and that those in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy) and the disbelievers may say: “What Allâh intends by this (curious) example?” Thus Allâh leads astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And none can know the soldiers of your Lord but He. And this (Hell) is nothing else than a (warning) reminder to mankind.

Al Musawwir and Al Bari’ البارِئُ, المُصَوِّر

Al Musawwir – The Shaper or The Fashioner

Al Bari’ – The originator or the inventor

Allah is the shaper of the things he created.

“He is Allah, the Creator, the Maker, the Shaper.” (59:24, Al-Quran)

You know that He is Al Khaliq, who created things out of nothing.

Allah shaped His creatures and made them numerous and varied.

He gave each a form which was unique and distinctive.

He fashioned human to have two eyes in the front. two legs. and all that you see.

He fashions a dog to look the way it does.

A bird to have eyes on the side with a beak and claw and a wing too.

He fashions tomato to be round and red. And durian to be thorny.

And surely, We created you (your father Adam) and then gave you shape (the noble shape of a human being); Al Aaraf 7:11

Our planet contains thousands of different species with entirely different appearances and amazing features.

Let’s examine the flawless symmetry on a butterfly wings; indeed, just like a painter’s masterpiece, all butterflies have astonishing appearances.

So even for an ordinary painting has a source, clearly a live thing which is in perfect colours, symmetry and shape must have its’ fashioner. It cannot come in existence by coincidence.  A super being must have created the things around us with perfection of shapes, colour and functionality.

Allah, Lord of the universe, created, designed, and formed all of those beings.

Allah made everything in the best form; adapted to the ends for which it was created.

Allâh, it is He Who has made for you the earth as a dwelling place and the sky as a canopy, and has given you shape and made your shapes good (looking) and has provided you with good things. That is Allâh, your Lord, so Blessed is Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists). (Al Ghafir 40:64)

In addition to the beauty and grandeur of all Allah’s creation, He has given man with special aptitudes, faculties and capacities.

We have hands with fingers so we can hold big things like a mug for instance and pick up tiny things like a needle.

We have brains that help not only to store memories but also works like the boss signaling what other parts of the body to do.

We have nostrils that face downwords and shaped such a way to allow us to breath properly and smell things and yet when it rains, we don’t have to protect our nose afraid that water will get in the nostrils.

Verily, We created man in the best stature (mould), (At Tin 95: 4)

Allah fashions and shapes everything in their best form for purposes known and also unknown to us. Subhanallah!

Reflecting on the things we know (not even things we do not know), we can see that a greater power must be the one who can not only create but fashion the creation to a certain look, colour, aptitude and function.

So can we deny all His power?

O man! What has made you careless about your Lord, the Most Generous? (6) Who created you, fashioned you perfectly, and gave you due proportion; (7) In whatever form He willed, He put you together. (8) Al Infitar 82:6-8

Reflection
Allah creates flowers beautiful with nice strong smell and bright wonderful colours. As this is pleasing to the eyes and landscape and perhaps cut into our home, its other functions is also to attract insects like bees and birds for example. They will help spread the pollen and ensuring the continuity of the plant.

Allah creates things and shapes it to serve many purposes and serve a bigger picture. Even more than we can comprehend.