Is It Disliked to Crack One’s Knuckles During or Around the Prayer?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question

What is the ruling on cracking one’s knuckles during prayer, in the mosque, while walking to the mosque, and in general?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate.

I hope you’re doing well, insha’Allah.

The Hanafi scholars deemed it disliked to crack one’s knuckles—meaning to press or stretch them until they make a sound—in the prayer.

They also applied this ruling to a person walking to the mosque for prayer or sitting in the mosque waiting for it. These states are treated as connected to the prayer itself, given hadiths affirming that the one waiting for prayer is in a state of worship.

The Explanation of Leading Hanafis–Ibn Nujaym and Ibn ‘Abidin

Ibn Nujaym explains in al-Bahr al-Ra’iq that cracking one’s fingers is a form of idle behaviour (‘abath), which contradicts the humility and presence due in worship.

Ibn ‘Abidin affirms this in Radd al-Muhtar, citing consensus on its dislikedness in the prayer. He also notes that the person walking to or waiting for the prayer is considered “in prayer”—based on rigorously authenticated hadiths in Bukhari and Muslim.

Specific Prophetic Narrations–and the General Principle of Stillness in Prayer

The jurists relied on several narrations. Ibn Maja relates that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said to ‘Ali (Allah be pleased with him):

«لَا تُفَرْقِعْ أَصَابِعَكَ وَأَنْتَ فِي الصَّلَاةِ»

Do not crack your knuckles while you are in prayer.” [Ibn Maja]“

This hadith is supported by the general principle of avoiding idle or unnecessary actions in prayer.

Ahmad and others also narrate—through a weak chain—that the one who laughs, turns, or cracks his fingers in the prayer “are of one level,” meaning in wrongdoing.

These narrations reinforce the established legal principle that ‘abath(unnecessary repeated action) is contrary to the adab of prayer.

What About Interlacing One’s Fingers in Prayer?

Interlacing the fingers is treated the same way. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

«فَلَا يُشَبِّكْ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ، فَإِنَّهُ فِي صَلَاةٍ»

“Let him not interlace his fingers, for he is in prayer.” [Ahmad; Abu Dawud]

Outside the prayer—and outside states directly connected to it—cracking the knuckles is not disliked if done for a reasonable need, such as relieving stiffness or discomfort.

If done out of habit or play, it is disliked and contrary to proper manners. Ibn ‘Abidin states this explicitly, noting that such actions fall under idle and unnecessary actions without purpose (‘abath), which believers should avoid.

And Allah knows best.

And Allah is the giver of success and facilitation.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.

In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.

Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.

Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School,” which was published by White Thread Press in 2004 and is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.

His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.