As a cornerstone of Islam, prayer (Salah) is an essential act of worship for every Muslim. It is the second pillar of Islam, after the Shahada (testification of faith). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the significance of prayer, describing it as the cornerstone of religion. However, while the fundamental structure of Salah remains the same for all Muslims, there are some slight differences in the way women perform certain actions during prayer. If you’ve noticed varying practices among different communities or are uncertain about your own prayer method, this guide aims to clarify some common questions.
1. Raising Hands Before Ruku’ and Sujood
One common question many women have is whether they should raise their hands to say Takbeer (“Allahu Akbar”) before every Ruku’ (bowing) and Sujood (prostration). In many places, some Muslims raise their hands each time they transition into Ruku’ or Sujood, while others raise them only once at the beginning of Salah.
Answer: It is not incorrect to raise your hands before every Ruku’ and Sujood. However, the general practice according to the Sunnah is to raise the hands only at the start of the prayer (before the initial Takbeer) and at the beginning of Ruku’ (before bowing). The practice of raising hands repeatedly, before every prostration, is not wrong, but it is less commonly practiced and varies based on the school of thought followed.
2. Positioning During Sujood (Prostration)
Another question often arises regarding the position during Sujood, particularly for women. Should women place only their palms on the ground, or should their forearms and elbows also touch the floor? Some communities, like in Kuwait, follow the practice of women only placing their palms on the floor.
Answer: In general, women should perform Sujood in a more modest and compact manner. It is recommended that the hands be placed flat on the ground, and the elbows should remain close to the body, not spread out, as this is more modest. The forehead, nose, both palms, and the toes should touch the ground. The elbows and thighs should be close to the body, as this posture ensures greater modesty. While some cultures may observe a practice of not having the elbows touch the floor, the correct approach, based on Islamic guidelines, is to keep the body parts compact during Sujood.
3. Tashahhud (Testification) and Raising the Finger
When sitting for the Tashahhud (testification) during Salah, many women ask whether they should raise their index finger while saying the Tashahhud or if they should keep it raised until after completing the Salah.
Answer: The proper practice is to raise the index finger at the time of the Tashahhud and move it while saying the declaration of faith. It should be raised and pointed during the phrase, “Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah…” (I testify that there is no god but Allah). The finger should stay raised until the end of the Tashahhud and does not need to be moved up and down during the rest of the prayer.
4. Is Your Salah Valid?
You mentioned concern over whether your Salah, if performed differently, would be invalid. Rest assured, variations in the posture or actions performed during Salah—such as the way hands are raised or fingers are pointed—do not render your prayer invalid, as long as you are following the general principles of Salah. These variations are often based on different schools of thought or local customs. Your Salah is still valid, and there is no need to repeat past prayers if your actions have been performed in good faith and within the scope of valid practices.
Conclusion
While there are some differences in the minor details of how women perform Salah, it is essential to understand that the most important aspect of Salah is sincerity and devotion to Allah. Minor differences in actions, such as raising hands or the position of the fingers, do not invalidate the prayer, as long as the main pillars of Salah are followed. It is always advisable to consult with a local imam or scholar for personalized guidance, especially if you are unsure about specific practices in your community.
Ultimately, the beauty of Islam lies in its flexibility within a framework of guidance, and Allah knows best.