Q 1: Someone says that it is the view of the Hanbalites (followers of the Hanbaly School of Jurisprudence) that Irsal (letting the hands hang down by one’s sides while standing during the Prayer) nullifies Salah (Prayer). (Part No. 5; Page No. 358) They proceed saying that the Hanbalites do not permit offering Salah behind an Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) who is Malikite (follower of Maliky School of Jurisprudence). They say that it is only permitted to perform Salah behind an Imam who does Qabd (putting the hands over each other on the chest while standing during the Prayer). Consequently, Hanbalites have their own Masjid. The proof that they quote for doing so is the Hadith in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) says:
“Pray as you have seen me praying.”
They continue, saying that the Messenger (peace be upon him) neither practiced Irsal nor commanded the believers to do so; doing so is thus a Bid‘ah (innovation in religion) and a deviation. To what extent is the foregoing true?
A:
Though Qabd is Sunnah (supererogatory act of worship following the example of the Prophet), Irsal is permissible. In other words, Irsal is not preferred but it does not nullify Salah and it is impermissible for Muslims to be separated because of having different views regarding it. On the other hand, the Prophet’s saying:
“Pray as you have seen me praying”
does not imply that Qabd is Wajib (obligatory), because when the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught the person who was performing Salah wrongly the perfect way to pray, he (peace be upon him) neither mentioned Qabd nor Irsal. Finally, the Hanbaly School of Jurisprudence does not hold the view that Irsal nullifies Salah. Whoever says so is mistaken.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.
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