Etiquette of Yawning

The second letter is one in which we have already presented some of the questions in a previous session. It is from the sister (A. M. al-Khatib) in the West Bank of Palestine. She sent this letter containing a large number of questions, some of which we presented in previous sessions. In this session, we present some of the questions. In her first question, she says: If a person is overcome by yawning during prayer, should he remain silent until the yawning passes, or should he continue with the dhikr and the Qur'an?
Answer: The Sunnah for the believer when he is overcome by yawning is to hold it in as much as he can, to hold his mouth shut as much as he can, and to place his hand over his mouth. He should not say "haah" and should not open his mouth. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade this and commanded it: he commanded placing the hand over the mouth and holding the yawning in as much as possible. He said: But he should hold it in as much as he can, place his hand over his mouth, and not say anything until it is over. He should not recite or speak until the yawning is over. This is what is prescribed. If yawning occurs, several things are prescribed for him.
The first thing: that he holds it in as much as he can, meaning he closes his mouth as much as he can, according to his ability.
The second: that he places his hand over his mouth.
The third: that he does not say "haah," but rather guards his tongue and does not say anything, whether little or much. This is the Sunnah that came from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). By doing so, it is known that he does not recite, does not speak to anyone, and does not say anything until the yawning is over; because he might say something uncontrolled if he is with the yawning. The yawning may overcome him, and his speech may become uncontrolled, so he does not speak until it is over. Yes.
The presenter: May Allah reward you with good.