Kiss one’s thumbs upon hearing the Prophet’s (PBUH) name

Question: Is it Sunnah to kiss one’s thumbs upon hearing or saying the Prophet’s (PBUH) name?

Praise be to Allah

Summary:
Kissing one’s thumbs upon hearing the name of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has no basis in the Quran or authentic Sunnah. This practice was not done by the Prophet, his companions, or the early generations of Muslims, making it an innovation (Bid’ah). Additionally, thumb-kissing is a gesture observed by some Catholics, who use it to kiss the cross they form with their thumb and forefinger, symbolizing reverence. Adopting similar practices can blur the distinction between Islamic and non-Islamic rituals.

Detailed Answer:
There is no authentic Hadith supporting the practice of kissing one’s thumbs upon hearing the Prophet’s name. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged his followers to send blessings upon him by saying, “The miser is the one in whose presence I am mentioned, and he does not send blessings upon me.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3546). However, adding the gesture of thumb-kissing has no foundation in the Sunnah, as it was not practiced by the Prophet or his companions, and is therefore considered an innovation (Bid’ah).

In Catholic tradition, thumb-kissing is often performed after making the sign of the cross by kissing the cross they form with their thumb and forefinger. This act symbolizes devotion and reverence for the Cross .

Islamic worship, however, maintains distinct practices strictly following the Quran and Sunnah. Introducing gestures that mirror non-Islamic rituals can lead to confusion and the unintended mixing of traditions. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) warned against innovations, stating, “Whoever introduces into this affair of ours (Islam) something that is not from it, it is rejected.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2697; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1718).

And Allah Knows Best