Raf Ul Yadian
For it to be a fardh (obligatory action in salaah) we needed Allah (SWT) and/or His Messenger (saw) to command us to do it. We find no Verse or authentic hadith where the Prophet (saw) would make someone do it (or not do it). It automatically becomes an optional act. But since we know he most definitely do it (whether always or most of the time), it is preferable to do it always or most of the time. Neglecting it won’t be a sin. The core rituals like wudhu, qiyaam, rukuu’, sujood, sitting, recitation, etc. are ‘obligatory’ (fardh) as they are specifically mentioned in the Qur’an. Neglecting any of these would be a sin (or invalidate the prayer). The micro-rituals like hand placements, finger movements, etc are not the purpose of the salaah. The prime purpose is to invoke, glorify and supplicate Allah (swt). Assalam Alaikum.