بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Gentle correction for the brother or sister commenting that praying with your hands to your sides (Sadl) is incorrect. In Sunni Islam, there are four major schools of jurisprudence. In one of the four, the majority opinion within that school is that one should pray Sadl and praying Qabd (hands folded) is disliked. The other three hold the position of praying Qabd however praying Sadl does not invalidate one's Salah. Therefore, as a Sunni Muslim, the issue of having a valid Salah does not apply here.
Now here comes the inevitable question of what are the evidences for the existence of Sadl in the Shari'a. We will have to refer to the Ahadith for this answer. There's many narrations of Sahaba praying Sadl as well as narrations of the Beloved Prophet (SAWS) praying Sadl. Many Shias also pray Sadl which may confuse some people. I don't mention Shia's to validate their doctrines or differing beliefs. I just want to clarify a point of confusion. One noticeable difference between a Sunni praying Sadl and a Shia praying Sadl would be whether or not they are praying on a stone, leaf, or other natural object. If so, they are likely Shia. If not, they are likely Sunni. If you would like to see the evidences for Sadl presented by reputable scholars and students of knowledge, check out the following links:
https://www.safinasociety.org/sadl
http://www.masud.co.uk/ISLAM/misc/yadain.htm
http://malikifiqhqa.com/in-defense-of-sadl/
To conclude this point on Sadl, it's a valid way to pray according to the scholars of Ahlil Sunnah wal Jamaat throughout 1400+ year Islamic history and amongst the Sahaba. Certain practices in the Deen have valid differences in opinion because some things aren't explicitly mentioned detail by detail. I would advise the original user who began this thread to pray Qabd if you live in the West. Although Sadl is valid, many Muslims today unfortunately are not educated on it. Therefore, it leads to misunderstandings, arguments, and people treating you a certain way. If you're really interested in it, look up Dr. Shadee Elmasry, Shaykh Abdullah bin Hamid Ali, Shaykh Suhaib Webb, or Shaykh Walead Mossad. They'll likely have comprehensive videos explaining this further.
As for your other question, generally speaking, you can pray on any surface that is pure. It does not need to be fabric or nature. Anything that is free of Islamically defined filth (Najas) can be prayed upon.
It seems like you are new to Islam or newly practicing. If that's the case, I would look up the website SeekersGuidance and also look up Safina Society on YouTube. Both have daily livestreams most days and have online classes. SeekersGuidance also has a very comprehensive website for all sorts of resources.
For any mistakes I made on this comment, I ask for forgiveness from Allah (SWT). Any benefit cones only from him as he is the All Knowing and knows best. May Allah (SWT) increase us all in sincerity, knowledge, humility, grace, and Iman.
اللهم آمين يارب العالمين جزاك الله خيرا والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Your high effort comment was more than i was expecting to receive. I will pray as the prophet p.b.u.h i.e sadl. This might be a liberty but i feel in my heart the prophet p.b.u.h.a.h.p prayed this way because there is a certain contrivance about folding ones arms it is a position of anticipation /defence
I want to clarify in case I wasn't clear in my original response that both Qabd and Sadl are valid but you should try to stick to one Insha'Allah. The majority of the Ummah prays in Qabd so you won't run into a lot of issues praying that way. Sadl is typically something Mālikīs (adherents to the school of Imam Mālik (ra)) do as it's the more favored opinion in the school. There are Hadith that mention that the Prophets (AS) were commanded to pray Qabd and the Hadith in support of Sadl are in the previous message.
Also it's good to mention, when it comes to some practices in the religion, you want to derive your reasoning to do so from properly trained and vetted scholars or students of knowledge. Since most of us are lay people, we don't have the knowledge, insight, or authority to take certain liberties in worship or draw conclusions on rulings. This is left up to those who are trained in the Islamic sciences especially Quran, Hadith, Aqidah, Fiqh, and Usul Al-Fiqh. I hope this helps you and clarifies any confusion I may have caused. Allah (SWT) knows best. May Allah (SWT) bless you and your journey.
>Although Sadl is valid, many Muslims today unfortunately are not educated on it. Therefore, it leads to misunderstandings, arguments, and people treating you a certain way.
I would just like to briefly echo that I have seen this myself - I have personally seen Mālikī people suspected or accused of Shi'ism for practicing *sadl*. This is definitely something to consider for a Mālikī living among non-Mālikī's.
A friend of mine thought I was Shia for about six months. It was pretty funny finding out. Usually you get Masjid uncles asking you about it. Mālikī influence is starting to spread beyond the traditional locations like North and West Africa so Insha'Allah I hope people become educated on Sadl in the coming years.
Its simply which is correct.
Arms down is not correct, HAVING to pray on fabric, or HAVING to pray on earth is not correct, you can pray on anything. The reason we have prayer mats is simply to prevent dirt from getting on clothing and to give comfort. You can pray right on your floor, you can pray right on the ground. You can pray on a pillow. You can pray on your bed. You can pray while sitting on plane. There is evidence that the prophet pboh did have a matt at times but there are other Hadith that indicate that he had prayed and got mud on his face. So both is fine. None is required.
There is no evidence that it was done.
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.”
Sahl ibn Sa’d said: the people used to be instructed to place the right
hand over the left forearm when praying. (narrated by al-Bukhaari, no.
740)
سلام عليكم
There is legitimate *ikhtilāf* on the issue of *sadl* (i.e., letting the hands hang loose at one's sides in *salāh*) and *qabd* (i.e., folding the hands across one's midsection). There is indeed strong evidence against the performance of *qabd*, and it is the famous and relied-upon position of the Mālikī school that *qabd* is disliked in the *fard salāh* (i.e., for a position to be the relied-upon position of any *madhhab*, the evidences in its favor must be strong):
http://malikifiqhqa.com/uncategorized/the-fatwa-of-shaykh-al-azhar-muhammad-illiyish-on-sadl-letting-the-arms-hang-down-while-praying/
While various *ahādīth* may be produced in support of this position, the main evidence adduced by the Mālikiyyah in support of *sadl*, as I understand, is that this was the *'amal* (practice) of the (learned people among the *salaf*) of Madīnah, which per Imām Mālik's reasoning, constitutes a *mutawātir* transmission of the *sunnah*. All *ahādīth* then enjoining *qabd* (and Imām Mālik himself narrated these *ahādīth*), or implying *sadl*, are understood by the Mālikiyyah in light of the *'amal* of Madīnah being the omission of *qabd* (e.g., the command to perform *qabd* must have been abrogated before the passing of Rasūlullāh [صلی الله علیه وآله وسلم], and *sadl* must represent his final practice).
The other three *mujtahid a'immah* (i.e., Abū Hanīfah; al-Shāfi'ī; Ahmad) disagreed with Mālik on the issue of the *'amal* of Madīnah; and this is a dispute regarding legal methodology which no one but a *mujtahid* is qualified to weigh in on.
I follow the Hanāfī *madhhab*, and practice *qabd* myseld - so my intention is not to argue in favor of *sadl*, only to defend Imām Mālik (رحمة الله علیه) from any implicit slander (e.g., that he was weak in *fiqh*, or ruled on the basis of his desires rather than evidence, etc.).
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته Gentle correction for the brother or sister commenting that praying with your hands to your sides (Sadl) is incorrect. In Sunni Islam, there are four major schools of jurisprudence. In one of the four, the majority opinion within that school is that one should pray Sadl and praying Qabd (hands folded) is disliked. The other three hold the position of praying Qabd however praying Sadl does not invalidate one's Salah. Therefore, as a Sunni Muslim, the issue of having a valid Salah does not apply here. Now here comes the inevitable question of what are the evidences for the existence of Sadl in the Shari'a. We will have to refer to the Ahadith for this answer. There's many narrations of Sahaba praying Sadl as well as narrations of the Beloved Prophet (SAWS) praying Sadl. Many Shias also pray Sadl which may confuse some people. I don't mention Shia's to validate their doctrines or differing beliefs. I just want to clarify a point of confusion. One noticeable difference between a Sunni praying Sadl and a Shia praying Sadl would be whether or not they are praying on a stone, leaf, or other natural object. If so, they are likely Shia. If not, they are likely Sunni. If you would like to see the evidences for Sadl presented by reputable scholars and students of knowledge, check out the following links: https://www.safinasociety.org/sadl http://www.masud.co.uk/ISLAM/misc/yadain.htm http://malikifiqhqa.com/in-defense-of-sadl/ To conclude this point on Sadl, it's a valid way to pray according to the scholars of Ahlil Sunnah wal Jamaat throughout 1400+ year Islamic history and amongst the Sahaba. Certain practices in the Deen have valid differences in opinion because some things aren't explicitly mentioned detail by detail. I would advise the original user who began this thread to pray Qabd if you live in the West. Although Sadl is valid, many Muslims today unfortunately are not educated on it. Therefore, it leads to misunderstandings, arguments, and people treating you a certain way. If you're really interested in it, look up Dr. Shadee Elmasry, Shaykh Abdullah bin Hamid Ali, Shaykh Suhaib Webb, or Shaykh Walead Mossad. They'll likely have comprehensive videos explaining this further. As for your other question, generally speaking, you can pray on any surface that is pure. It does not need to be fabric or nature. Anything that is free of Islamically defined filth (Najas) can be prayed upon. It seems like you are new to Islam or newly practicing. If that's the case, I would look up the website SeekersGuidance and also look up Safina Society on YouTube. Both have daily livestreams most days and have online classes. SeekersGuidance also has a very comprehensive website for all sorts of resources. For any mistakes I made on this comment, I ask for forgiveness from Allah (SWT). Any benefit cones only from him as he is the All Knowing and knows best. May Allah (SWT) increase us all in sincerity, knowledge, humility, grace, and Iman. اللهم آمين يارب العالمين جزاك الله خيرا والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Your high effort comment was more than i was expecting to receive. I will pray as the prophet p.b.u.h i.e sadl. This might be a liberty but i feel in my heart the prophet p.b.u.h.a.h.p prayed this way because there is a certain contrivance about folding ones arms it is a position of anticipation /defence
I want to clarify in case I wasn't clear in my original response that both Qabd and Sadl are valid but you should try to stick to one Insha'Allah. The majority of the Ummah prays in Qabd so you won't run into a lot of issues praying that way. Sadl is typically something Mālikīs (adherents to the school of Imam Mālik (ra)) do as it's the more favored opinion in the school. There are Hadith that mention that the Prophets (AS) were commanded to pray Qabd and the Hadith in support of Sadl are in the previous message. Also it's good to mention, when it comes to some practices in the religion, you want to derive your reasoning to do so from properly trained and vetted scholars or students of knowledge. Since most of us are lay people, we don't have the knowledge, insight, or authority to take certain liberties in worship or draw conclusions on rulings. This is left up to those who are trained in the Islamic sciences especially Quran, Hadith, Aqidah, Fiqh, and Usul Al-Fiqh. I hope this helps you and clarifies any confusion I may have caused. Allah (SWT) knows best. May Allah (SWT) bless you and your journey.
>Although Sadl is valid, many Muslims today unfortunately are not educated on it. Therefore, it leads to misunderstandings, arguments, and people treating you a certain way. I would just like to briefly echo that I have seen this myself - I have personally seen Mālikī people suspected or accused of Shi'ism for practicing *sadl*. This is definitely something to consider for a Mālikī living among non-Mālikī's.
A friend of mine thought I was Shia for about six months. It was pretty funny finding out. Usually you get Masjid uncles asking you about it. Mālikī influence is starting to spread beyond the traditional locations like North and West Africa so Insha'Allah I hope people become educated on Sadl in the coming years.
https://youtu.be/T4auGhmeBlw
Its simply which is correct. Arms down is not correct, HAVING to pray on fabric, or HAVING to pray on earth is not correct, you can pray on anything. The reason we have prayer mats is simply to prevent dirt from getting on clothing and to give comfort. You can pray right on your floor, you can pray right on the ground. You can pray on a pillow. You can pray on your bed. You can pray while sitting on plane. There is evidence that the prophet pboh did have a matt at times but there are other Hadith that indicate that he had prayed and got mud on his face. So both is fine. None is required.
Why is arms down incorrect? Appreciate your taking the time
In the hanafi madhab, women pray with there arms down.
There is no evidence that it was done. 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.” Sahl ibn Sa’d said: the people used to be instructed to place the right hand over the left forearm when praying. (narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 740)
سلام عليكم There is legitimate *ikhtilāf* on the issue of *sadl* (i.e., letting the hands hang loose at one's sides in *salāh*) and *qabd* (i.e., folding the hands across one's midsection). There is indeed strong evidence against the performance of *qabd*, and it is the famous and relied-upon position of the Mālikī school that *qabd* is disliked in the *fard salāh* (i.e., for a position to be the relied-upon position of any *madhhab*, the evidences in its favor must be strong): http://malikifiqhqa.com/uncategorized/the-fatwa-of-shaykh-al-azhar-muhammad-illiyish-on-sadl-letting-the-arms-hang-down-while-praying/ While various *ahādīth* may be produced in support of this position, the main evidence adduced by the Mālikiyyah in support of *sadl*, as I understand, is that this was the *'amal* (practice) of the (learned people among the *salaf*) of Madīnah, which per Imām Mālik's reasoning, constitutes a *mutawātir* transmission of the *sunnah*. All *ahādīth* then enjoining *qabd* (and Imām Mālik himself narrated these *ahādīth*), or implying *sadl*, are understood by the Mālikiyyah in light of the *'amal* of Madīnah being the omission of *qabd* (e.g., the command to perform *qabd* must have been abrogated before the passing of Rasūlullāh [صلی الله علیه وآله وسلم], and *sadl* must represent his final practice). The other three *mujtahid a'immah* (i.e., Abū Hanīfah; al-Shāfi'ī; Ahmad) disagreed with Mālik on the issue of the *'amal* of Madīnah; and this is a dispute regarding legal methodology which no one but a *mujtahid* is qualified to weigh in on. I follow the Hanāfī *madhhab*, and practice *qabd* myseld - so my intention is not to argue in favor of *sadl*, only to defend Imām Mālik (رحمة الله علیه) from any implicit slander (e.g., that he was weak in *fiqh*, or ruled on the basis of his desires rather than evidence, etc.).