Question
Reference number: 980868 | Prayers | April 14, 2019
What is the ruling on moving hands to express the meanings of some verses; i.e. using hands as a body language to emphasize the meaning?
Answer
Praise Be to Allah and Peace Be Upon His Messenger.
Referring to your question, using the hands (as a body language) when one recites the Holy Qur’an is allowed whether they are reciting alone for themselves or to preach others as long as the Muslim does not want to copy non-Muslims. Moreover, if these movements come unconsciously along with the recital of the Holy Qur’an because of the deep understanding, they are allowed.
However, some scholars think that these movements are not preferred and the Imams should consider leaving them while preaching.
These movements are not allowed during performing the prayers, and they could make prayers invalid.