When to raise index finger during Tashahhud

3-1-2006 | IslamWeb

Question:

I am very satisfied with your answer for pointing the index finger in Tashahhud. But is there any Hadeeth for raising index finger when say 'Ashadu Allailaha Illallah". This is because I saw a Fatwa in www.islam.tc Fatwa 83684 says following in the middle of an answer.
The index finger should be extended at 'Laa Ilaaha' and retracted at 'Illa llaah'. (Shaami vol.2 pg. 218, Pakistan). And he also mention "According to the Hanafi Madhab". Jazakallah.
Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

What you have mentioned that in Tashahhud a praying person extends his index finger when saying “Laa Ilaaha” and retracts it when saying: “Illallaah”, is a statement of some Hanafi jurists may Allaah have mercy upon them. For instance Ibn Al-Humaam may Allaah have mercy upon him said: 'According to Al-Halawaani may Allaah have mercy upon him one should extend his index finger when saying “laa ilaaha” and retracts it when saying: “Illallaah; i.e. he extends it in order to deny [associating others with Allaah] and retracts it in order to attest that None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah.”

Nonetheless, we do not know any evidence proving these details in the Sunnah of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ). 

Allaah Knows best.

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