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

describing Allah, Glory be to Him, 'And verily He is everywhere, each and every moment and time, and with every human and Jinn.'

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib [as]

Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 195

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Divorce / Talaq

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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