HOW TO RESPOND TO TASLEEM IN SOLAAH

By

Ibn Abdillah As-sudasiy Al-Iloori

It is established in the Sunnah that we can respond to tasleem with wave of the hand while praying (whether obligatory or voluntary). There is a report that says the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to respond to tasleem in his prayers by waving his hand. Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalaanee رحمه الله mentioned the Hadith when he was discussing the conditions of Solaah in his book Bulughul Maraam.

Ibn 'Umar رضي الله عنهما narrated that he asked Bilal رضي الله عنه how the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to respond to tasleem while in Solaah. Then he said he used to wave his hand. The Hadith was reported in the books of Abu Dawud and At-tirmidhi رحمهم الله and authenticated by Sheikh Al-Albaani رحمه الله in his book (Saheeh Abi Dawud, 820)

On returning tasleem in Solaah by a wave of the hand as demonstrated by Bilal رضي الله عنه in the cited hadith, Sheikh Ibn 'Uthaymeen رحمه الله said the Hadith shows that it is permissible to wave the hand as a mark of returning tasleem while in Solaah. He also said the Hadith means that some little gestures are allowed in Solaah if need be. 

In addition, there is a Hadith that sanctions killing of two black animals while praying (snake and scorpion). The Hadith was narrated by Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه and it is authentic according to ibn Hibban رحمه الله. Some of the scholars have also said by this Hadith, one can kill any harmful animal and return back to Solaah without needing to start all over. And Allah knows best. 

May Allāh guide guide us aright.