What is the soundest opinion in the Hanafi Madhab regarding pointing the indexfinger? 1) There should be made a circle. 2) There should be made a fist (53 sign) Which one of the two? Also after lowering the finger when saying ”Ill Allah” do we have to outstretch all fingers on the thigh’s or do we have to maintain the lowered finger as pointing until we give salaam to right and left or until after both salaams?
Answer
(Fatwa: 454/410=D)
Make a circle of middle finger and thumb while closing the ring finger and the fifth finger (make fist). And, raise the index finger while recitingلا إله and put it down while saying إلا الله.
Second Method: Make fist by closing middle, ring and fifth finger with putting the head of thumb on the joint of middle finger. Raise the index finger while recitingلا إله and put it down at إلا الله.
These are two different methods; you may choose any of the two. Do not stretch but keep the fist closed till salam:
صفتھا ان یحلق یدہ الیمنی عند الشھادۃ و الابھام والوسطی الخ (الشامی: 1/366)
Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband