Table of Contents
📖 Introduction
Did you know that how you pray Salah can differ based on your madhhab? The Hanafi and Shafi’i schools, both following the Sunnah, have key variations in their Salah practices.
Whether you’re a revert, a student of knowledge, or considering a madhhab change, this guide breaks down the 5 biggest differences between Hanafi and Shafi’i Salah—with Hadith proofs and scholarly explanations.
🕋 5 Key Differences Between Hanafi & Shafi’i Salah
1. Raf’ al-Yadayn (Raising Hands in Prayer) 🙌
| Hanafi | Shafi’i |
|---|---|
| Raise hands only at Takbiratul Ihram (beginning). | Raise hands at 4 points: 1. Takbiratul Ihram 2. Before Ruku’ 3. After Ruku’ 4. Standing after 1st Tashahhud (in 3-rak’ah prayers). |
| Evidence: |
- Hanafis follow Hadith of Imam Ali (RA): “The Prophet (ﷺ) only raised hands at the start.” (Sunan Darqutni)
- Shafi’is cite Hadith of Ibn Umar (RA): “The Prophet raised hands before & after Ruku’.” (Bukhari 735)
2. Qunut in Fajr Prayer 🤲
| Hanafi | Shafi’i |
|---|---|
| Not recited daily (only in Witr during Ramadan). | Recited every Fajr (before Ruku’ in 2nd rak’ah). |
| Evidence: |
- Hanafis consider Qunut abrogated (based on Imam Abu Hanifa’s ruling).
- Shafi’is follow Hadith of Anas (RA): “The Prophet (ﷺ) always recited Qunut in Fajr.” (Muslim 1/474)
📌 Note: Hanafis recite Qunut only in Witr, while Shafi’is do it daily in Fajr.
3. Saying “Ameen” After Surah Fatiha 🗣️
| Hanafi | Shafi’i |
|---|---|
| Say silently (unless praying behind a Shafi’i imam). | Say aloud in loud prayers (Fajr, Maghrib, Isha). |
| Evidence: |
- Hanafis follow Hadith of Abu Huraira (RA): “The Prophet (ﷺ) said ‘Ameen’ silently.” (Abu Dawud 936)
- Shafi’is cite Hadith of Wa’il ibn Hujr (RA): “I heard the Prophet say ‘Ameen’ loudly.” (Ibn Majah 853)
4. Hand Position (Qabd vs. Sadl) 🤲
| Hanafi | Shafi’i |
|---|---|
| Fold hands (Qabd) below the navel. | Leave hands loose (Sadl) at sides. |
| Evidence: |
- Hanafis follow Hadith of Sahl ibn Sa’d (RA): “People were ordered to place right hand over left in Salah.” (Bukhari 740)
- Shafi’is argue no Hadith specifies placement below the navel.
5. Reciting Behind the Imam 🤫
| Hanafi | Shafi’i |
|---|---|
| Stay silent in Fard prayers (except for “Ameen” and personal duas). | Recite Surah Fatiha even behind the imam. |
| Evidence: |
- Hanafis cite Quran 7:204: “When the Quran is recited, listen attentively.”
- Shafi’is follow Hadith of ‘Ubadah ibn al-Samit (RA): “No Salah for one who doesn’t recite Fatiha.” (Bukhari 756)
⚖️ Which Madhhab Should You Follow?
Both methods are valid and based on authentic Hadiths. Choose based on:
✅ Your upbringing (family tradition).
✅ Scholarly guidance (local imam’s advice).
✅ Personal conviction (after studying evidence).
💡 Pro Tip: If you travel, follow the local imam’s method to maintain unity.
📌 Conclusion
While Hanafi and Shafi’i Salah may differ, both are correct and rooted in the Sunnah. The key is to:
- Learn your madhhab’s rulings properly.
- Respect other schools of thought.
- Focus on sincerity in worship.
💬 Do you follow Hanafi or Shafi’i Salah? Let us know in the comments!
For more fiqh comparisons, visit Bofferly’s Fiqh Section.