Khaberni - Sheikh Ahmad Wissam, the Mufti Secretary at the Egyptian Dar al-Iftaa, answered a question from Ruqayyah of Damietta Governorate, about where to look during Tashahhud, and whether the gaze should be directed at the index finger or at the place of prostration, especially in the second part of Tashahhud when praying upon the Prophet, peace be upon him.
The Mufti Secretary at the Egyptian Dar al-Iftaa, during an episode of the program «Fatwas for the People», broadcast on Al-Nas channel, clarified that the basis for where to look during prayer varies depending on the posture of the worshipper, indicating that if the worshipper is standing, they should look at the place of prostration, if bowing, at their right foot, and if prostrating, at the ground in front of them.
He explained that when the worshipper is sitting, whether in the sitting position between the two prostrations or sitting for the middle Tashahhud or the final Tashahhud, it is preferred that the gaze should be directed at the right hand placed on the knee or at the index finger, and not at the place of prostration.
Sheikh Ahmad Wissam emphasized that this matter is preferable and not obligatory, explaining that it is best to follow this guide, but if the worshipper looks at the place of prostration while sitting, there is no harm in it and it does not invalidate the prayer, because there is flexibility in this matter and no strictness.
