Ask Qul - Shia Sunni Dialogue - Praying open hands to close hands

?Miserliness in giving [to others] what is at hand is a mistrust in God.'

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib [as]

Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 1258

Sexual Ethics & Morals

# 824 - looking for someone in edda mu

Salaat / Prayers

# 709 - Passing wind from the rear

Business / Investment

# 808 - Masjid or Imam Bargah

Sexual Ethics & Morals

# 807 - penetration during period

# 806 - Female masturbation

Divorce / Talaq

# 798 - Divorce

Miscellaneous

# 797 - Kiss

# 792 - hidden buried treasure

Interfaith Dialogue

# 781 - Jesus death

Fasting / Sawm / Roza

# 776 - Husbands permissn

Ask Qul - QA

Question : #100

Subject:	Praying open hands to close hands
Question:	Did the Prophet Muhammad pray open or close hands, and when did this division take place?
Answer:	The Prophet (s) prayed with his hands open. I do not know the exact instance that this division took place, although it is commonly known that it took place during the reign of the second caliph.

Follow Up Question:	I recently had a short discussion about this with a Sunni sister and she said that they do that as a sign of respect, as when someone who was approaching Prophet Muhammad (saw) did before him. My questions are; is it respectful? is it obligatory or optional? And finally where and why did this tradition arise? Thank you!
Follow Up Response Question:	555