Placing Hands on Thighs While Sitting

Question

Is it required to place the hands on the thighs during the Tashahhud and Tasleem?

Answer 1

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sistani (may God protect him):

This is not a requirement, but it is recommended.

Recommended Practices for Tashahhud and Tasleem:

It is disliked to sit in a squatting position; rather, it is recommended to sit cross-legged. One should say before starting the Tashahhud: (All praise is due to God) or say: (In the name of God, and with God, and all praise is due to God, and the best names belong to God, or all the beautiful names belong to God). One should place their hands on their thighs with fingers together, look at their lap, and after sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family), say: (And accept his intercession and elevate his rank) in the first Tashahhud. After the first Tashahhud, one should say: (Glory be to God) seven times before standing up, and upon rising, say: (With God's power and strength, I stand and sit). A woman should keep her thighs together and raise her knees off the ground.

Source: Minhaj al-Salihin, Vol. 1, Tashahhud, Section 600 + Tasleem, Section 663

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Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Khamenei (may God protect him):

This is not obligatory.

Source: A Treatise on Prayer and Fasting, Prayer, Obligations of Prayer, Tashahhud + Tasleem

May you be successful in all good.