In what sense is the action of Imam Ahmad, who used to move his finger vigorously while sitting, to be understood?
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The questioner : His EminenceThe Shaykh : Al-Marwadi mentioned in the issues of Imam Ahmad that he used to move his finger vigorously while sitting, or as he stated. In what sense is this to be understood?
The Shaykh : Perhaps Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) meant by "vigorously" the vigor of the raising, meaning that when he reached the point where it is recommended to raise the finger, he raised it distinctly. If he meant something other than that, I do not know a basis for it. The Sunnah indicates that one moves the finger during supplication as a sign of the exaltedness of the One to whom one is supplicating, Mighty and Majestic. You say, "Peace be upon you," which is a supplication, so you raise your finger. "Peace be upon us," which is a supplication. "O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad," which is a supplication. "O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad," which is a supplication. "I seek refuge in Allah from the punishment of the Hellfire," which is a supplication. "From the punishment of the grave," likewise. "From the trial of life and death," likewise. "And from the trial of the Dajjal," you raise it at every phrase of supplication. Yes, indeed.
The Shaykh : Perhaps Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) meant by "vigorously" the vigor of the raising, meaning that when he reached the point where it is recommended to raise the finger, he raised it distinctly. If he meant something other than that, I do not know a basis for it. The Sunnah indicates that one moves the finger during supplication as a sign of the exaltedness of the One to whom one is supplicating, Mighty and Majestic. You say, "Peace be upon you," which is a supplication, so you raise your finger. "Peace be upon us," which is a supplication. "O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad," which is a supplication. "O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad," which is a supplication. "I seek refuge in Allah from the punishment of the Hellfire," which is a supplication. "From the punishment of the grave," likewise. "From the trial of life and death," likewise. "And from the trial of the Dajjal," you raise it at every phrase of supplication. Yes, indeed.