Question:
Can you prescribe me the procedure of raising the finger in Tashahhud?
After lowered must we hold it the same position (pointing with a lowered finger) until we make the Tasleem? please also provide the Daleel for the time of lifting and lowering.
Answer:
It is Sunnah to join the tip of the middle finger with the tip of the thumb forming a circle, then indicating with the index finger. (Raddul Muhtaar Vol.2, Page 217, Fataawaa Haqqaniyyah Vol.3 Page 97-98).
Indication with the index finger should begin at the word Laa’ in the Shahadah and lowered at the word Illal’. After indicating with the index finger, it must not be completely lowered. Rather, it should only be lowered a bit. Mullah Ali Qari writes in the commentary of this Hadith found in Abu Dawood and Nasaai that the finger should be raised and when putting it down, it should not be placed completely down; it should be slightly raised. (Ahsanul Fataawaa Vol.3 Page 30-31).
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Nezaam bin Yahya Ali
Attested to as correct by:
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
16 June 2005
09 Jumaadul Oola 1426