Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah

Hazrat Sahl bin Sa’d narrates that I never saw the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) raising his hands above his blessed head, neither on the pulpit nor off the pulpit. However, he used to raise his hands up to the level of his shoulders.

Hazrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would not raise his hands in supplication on any occasion except for the prayer of Istisqa (prayer for rain).

Hazrat Jabir bin Samurah narrates that once the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came to us and said, "Why do I see your hands raised in prayer like the tails of unruly and uncontrollable horses? Adopt calmness in prayer."

Hazrat Anas was asked whether the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to raise his hands. He said, "Yes, once on a Friday, people came to him complaining about drought and said, 'O Messenger of Allah! There is no rain, the land has become barren, and wealth has been destroyed.' He raised his hands and prayed. On that occasion, I could even see the whiteness of his armpits."