M?lik’s followers also held the opinion that it is an optional Sunnah to put one’s right hand on the left in obligatory and optional Sal?t, and that it is the soundest of opinions for people were ordered to do so during the prophet’s ( - صلى الله عليه وسلم -) time. (1)

Late M?lik? scholars held that it is recommended that the one doing optional or obligatory Sal?t put his right hand on his left anywhere below the chest and above the navel be it for the sake of following Sunnah or for no certain purpose. In case one does this act for the purpose of seeking rest for his hands, it is then considered a detested act.

Al-B?j?, who is one of the m?lik? eminent scholars, said: ‘M?lik’s opinion, regarding the detestation of putting one’s right hand on his left in Sal?t, is intended to drive away the idea that some muslims may think of that such an act is one of the Sal?t’s articles without which Sal?t is rendered invalid’.

Reflecting on the previously mentioned opinions, one becomes certain that (1) all the ‘Ulamah agree upon putting one’s right hand on the left when doing Sal?t, not letting then down, and (2) Im?m M?lik’s opinion regarding letting hands down in Sal?t, if it were proved to be authentic, was only intended to fight an illegal act which is seeking rest for the hands or believing that such an act is one of the Sal?t’s articles. Some scholars, actually, misinterpreted Im?m M?lik’s statement which is stated in “Al-Mudawwanah”, a misinterpretation which actually contradicts the other one stated in “Al-Muwatta’” which affirms plainly the legality of putting one’s right hand on the left in Sal?t. This very point was displayed in details by many m?lik? ‘Ulamah and others in their compilations which are over thirty. (*)

Accordingly, ... we earnestly urge our m?lik? brothers to follow our prophet’s ( - صلى الله عليه وسلم -) Sunnah and join other muslims in their manner of doing Sal?t. (2)