Raising the hands (Raf’ al-Yadain) in prayer is authentically established with correct chains of narration through Imam Azam, Ahmad Mujtaba Muhammad Mustafa صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم, the Rightly Guided Caliphs, the Noble Companions, the Ahl al-Bayt رضی اللہ عنہم, the great Tabi‘in, the Tabi‘ al-Tabi‘in, the noble Muhaddithin, the jurists of Islam, and the people of knowledge. Therefore, mocking this Sunnah and saying that:
① Raising the hands is equivalent to “shooing flies from the face.”
② Oh brother! You looked as if you were trying to fly during prayer, etc. This is an extremely disgusting act.
③ According to Maulvi Ashiq Ilahi Meerthi: “Some Hanafis began calling the Ahl al-Hadith, i.e., the non-followers of the era, disbelievers for raising the hands.”
④ And some people say that the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم used to raise his hands at the beginning of the era and then abandoned it. And this was done because people were new Muslims who used to bring idols under their arms, and when their Islam became firm, raising the hands was abrogated.
All these are baseless, fabricated nonsense and slander against the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم. It is equivalent to doubting the faith of the Noble Companions رضی اللہ عنہم. Rather, it is certain that there are ten such hadiths in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim from which raising the hands is proven from the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم, the Noble Companions, and the Companions who embraced Islam in the last days of the beloved Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم in Madinah Munawwarah. So when was it ever abrogated? This is nothing but sectarianism, preferring the words of one’s own Imams over the Sunnah of the Imam of the Prophets صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم, and deceiving people.
The Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah, the Muhammadan Ummah upon whom be peace and blessings, are unanimous that after the Book of Allah, these two books hold the highest status, and their mutually agreed upon hadiths are called Muttafaqun ‘Alayh. The hadith of raising the hands is also Muttafaqun ‘Alayh. Yet if someone does not raise the hands, then what else is this but a conspiracy to elevate the rank of the followers above the Mercy to the Worlds صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم, accepting the words of one who neither received revelation nor was a Prophet as proof and the final word without evidence? What kind of love for the Master of the Two Worlds صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم is this?
Raising the hands is a mutawatir Sunnah:
Allama Mujaddid al-Din Ferozabadi, may Allah have mercy on him, writes in Safar al-Sa’adat that there are so many ahadith and reports about raising the hands (Raf’ al-Yadain) that they reach up to four centuries, and Raf’ al-Yadain is a mutawatir Sunnah.
Among the Hanafi scholars, Allama Anwar Shah Kashmiri Deobandi has accepted it as mutawatir.
Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, says: “The narration of Raf’ al-Yadain has been reported by such a large number of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, that perhaps no other hadith has been narrated by a greater number.”
Abdul Rahman bin Mahdi, may Allah have mercy on him, says: « هذا من السنة » “This is Sunnah.”
Hafiz Ibn Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
«من تركه فقد ترك السنة»
“Whoever abandons raising the hands, it is as if he has abandoned the Sunnah.”
Imam Muhyi al-Sunnah, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
«أن مالكا فى آخر عمره ذهب السنيته»
“Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, adopted the position towards the end of his life that this is Sunnah.”
Hafiz Ibn Hajar, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
«اتفقت على رواية هذه السنة العشرة المشهود لهم بالجنة ومن بعدهم من أكابر الصحابة»
“The ten blessed ones and other senior Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, agreed that raising the hands is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.”
Imam Hakim and Abu al-Qasim Ibn Munzah say: “We do not know of any Sunnah narrated from the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, on which the four rightly guided Caliphs, the ten blessed ones, and other senior Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, agreed, even though they were spread across distant lands, except this Sunnah (raising the hands).”
For further details on the mutawatir nature of Raf’ al-Yadain, please refer to books written on mutawatir hadith:
Imam Bukhari wrote in Juz’ Raf’ al-Yadain:
« فلم يثبت عند أحد منهم علم فى ترك رفع الأيدي عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم ولا عن أحد من أصحاب النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم أنه لم يرفع يديه .»
“None of the Imams of the religion have any evidence for the Prophet, peace be upon him, abandoning raising the hands. Likewise, it is not proven from any Companion that they did not raise their hands.”
And the Noble Messenger Muhammad Mustafa, peace be upon him, commanded:
«صلوا كما رأيتموني أصلى .»
“Pray as you have seen me praying.”
If prayer is not performed according to the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace be upon him, then an important condition of acceptance will be lost. Sayyiduna Hudhaifah, may Allah be pleased with him, saw a person who was not completing bowing and prostration properly, so he said to him:
« ما صليت ولو مت مت على غير الفطرة التى فطر الله محمدا صلى الله عليه وسلم .»
“You have not prayed; if you die like this, you will not die upon the natural religion (fitrah) upon which Allah created Muhammad, peace be upon him.”
An act done without the Prophetic Sunnah, peace and blessings be upon him, is misguidance. Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
«لوتركتم سنة نبيكم لضللتم .»
“If you abandon the Sunnah of your Prophet, peace be upon him, you will be misguided.”
The Reward of Raising the Hands:
“Raising the hands (Raf’ al-Yadain) is an adornment of prayer and a cause of reward and blessings. Nu’man bin Abi ‘Ayyash, may Allah have mercy on him, says: Everything has an adornment, and the adornment of prayer is raising the hands.”
Ibn Sirin, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
“Raising the hands in prayer is a cause of the completion of the prayer.”
Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
“The purpose of raising the hands at the time of Takbir al-Tahrima is the same purpose as raising the hands when going into and coming out of Ruku’, and that is to show reverence to Allah Almighty and to follow the Prophet of Mercy, peace be upon him.”
Our master ‘Uqbah bin ‘Amir, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates from the Prophet, peace be upon him, that:
“Whoever raises his hands in prayer will receive one good deed or rank for each finger for every gesture.”
The narration of our master ‘Uqbah bin ‘Amir, may Allah be pleased with him, regarding raising the hands has also been affirmed by Imam Ishaq bin Rahwayh, Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, Allama Haishami, and Imam Bayhaqi, may Allah have mercy on them, therefore this is the correct view.
From our master ‘Uqbah bin ‘Amir, may Allah be pleased with him, it is narrated that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:
“A person is credited with ten good deeds for every gesture he makes with his hand in prayer, one good deed for each finger.”
Our master Abdullah bin Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, says that raising the hands is the adornment of prayer; one time of raising the hands earns ten good deeds, one good deed for each finger.
Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
“Raising the hands increases good deeds.”
Allah Almighty says:
﴿مَن جَاءَ بِالْحَسَنَةِ فَلَهُ عَشْرُ أَمْثَالِهَا ۖ وَمَن جَاءَ بِالسَّيِّئَةِ فَلَا يُجْزَىٰ إِلَّا مِثْلَهَا وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ ﴾
“Whoever does good will have ten times as much to his credit, and whoever does evil will be recompensed only with its equivalent; and they will not be wronged.”
Our master Abu Dharr, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: “Allah says: Whoever does good will be rewarded tenfold or more, and whoever does evil will be recompensed equally or I will forgive him. Whoever comes to Me a span, I will come to him an arm’s length; and whoever comes to Me walking, I will come to him running.”
Furthermore, Allah Almighty says:
﴿ مَّثَلُ الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِي كُلِّ سُنبُلَةٍ مِّائَةُ حَبَّةٍ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يُضَاعِفُ لِمَن يَشَاءُ ۗ وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ﴾
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] that sprouts seven ears; in every ear there are a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.”
If one raising of the hands earns ten good deeds, then in a four-unit prayer, just by raising the hands, a person earns one hundred (100) good deeds. While the rewards of the five daily prayers amount to (430), and the Islamic year has (360) days. According to this calculation, one will earn (154,800) good deeds in a year.
If the Sunnah prayers are considered, they are twelve units in one day, in which the number of times raising the hands is (60). Accordingly, by performing the Sunnah prayers, a person will earn six hundred (600) good deeds in one day. While the yearly good deeds will be two hundred sixteen thousand (216,000).
The good deeds earned from raising the hands in Sunnah prayers and obligatory prayers alone reach three hundred seventy thousand eight hundred (370,800). It is also possible that you increase sincerity and Allah Almighty multiplies these good deeds seven hundred times more, and these good deeds reach (259,560,000). And if a person is habitual in Tahajjud, Ishraq, Chasht, Tawabin prayers, Tasbih prayer, and other Nawafil, then his good deeds will be even greater. ان الله يرزق من يشاء بغير حساب
The Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) Elevation of Religion in Prayer:
The speech of Mustafa while happening
Do not look at anyone’s words and actions
Hadith of Sayyidna Abu Bakr Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him):
«قال البيهقى أخبرنا أبو عبدالله الحافظ ثنا أبو عبد الله الصفار املاء من اصل كتابه قال: قال: ابو إسماعيل محمد بن إسماعيل السلمى: صليت خلف ابي النعمان محمد بن الفضل فرفع يديه حين افتتح الصلوة ، وحين ركع ، وحين رفع رأسه من الركوع ، فسألته عن ذلك فقال: صليت خلف أيوب السختياني فكان يرفع يديه إذا افتتح الصلاة ، وإذا ركع ، وإذا رفع رأسه من الركوع ، فسألته فقال: رأيت عطاء بن أبى رباح يرفع يديه إذا افتتح الصلاة ، وإذا ركع وإذا رفع رأسه من الركوع ، فسألته فقال: صليت خلف عبد الله بن الزبير فكان يرفع يديه إذا افتتح الصلاة ، وإذا ركع وإذا رفع رأسه من الركوع فسألته فقال: صليت خلف أبى بكر الصديق رضى الله عنه فكان يرفع يديه إذا افتتح الصلاة ، وإذا ركع ، وإذا رفع رأسه من الركوع ، وقال أبو بكر صليت خلف رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فكان يرفع يديه إذا افتتح الصلاة وإذا ركع وإذا رأسه من الركوع .(رواته ثقات ).»
Imam Bayhaqi states that Imam Hafiz Abu Abdullah Al-Hakim narrated to us, saying that Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Al-Saffar Al-Zahid narrated to us from his book a hadith that Abu Ismail Muhammad ibn Ismail Salmi said: I prayed behind Abu Al-Nu’man Muhammad ibn Fadl, and when he started the prayer, when he bowed, and when he rose from the bowing, he raised both of his hands. Then he was asked about this. He said: I prayed behind Hammad ibn Zaid; when he prayed, at the start of the prayer, when bowing, and when raising his head from bowing, he raised both of his hands. I asked him about this, and he said: I saw Ata ibn Abi Rabah, may Allah have mercy on him (the teacher of Abu Hanifa, may Allah have mercy on him), raising both hands at the start of the prayer, when bowing, and when raising his head from bowing. I asked, and he said: I prayed behind Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Al-Zubair, may Allah be pleased with him, and he also raised both hands at the start of the prayer, when bowing, and when raising his head from bowing. I asked him about this, and he said: I prayed behind Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, and he also raised both hands at the start of the prayer, when bowing, and when raising his head from bowing. And Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, said that he prayed behind the True Prophet, the Noble Messenger Muhammad, peace be upon him. He, peace be upon him, raised both hands at the start of the prayer, when bowing, and when raising his head from bowing. Its narrators are trustworthy.”
Benefit:
➊ Regarding the passionate love for the prayer of the Noble Prophet, peace be upon him, we have read that the last prayer the Prophet, peace be upon him, performed in the mosque was with Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, and in this hadith, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, testifies that the Prophet of Mercy, peace be upon him, used to raise his hands. Thus, it is established that the Prophet, peace be upon him, also performed the last prayer with raising the hands, so the claim of abrogation is not free from ignorance and religious prejudice.
➋ This narration is continuous. A continuous narration is defined as: “one whose narrators agree on the modes of performance, characteristics, and conditions, such as placing fingers inside the hands, shaking hands, holding the beard, etc.”
It is not necessary that all narrators agree, but for it to be called “continuous,” the agreement of most is necessary.
Continuous narration indicates the complete reliability of the narrators, and in this regard, it is of the highest level of authenticity.
Now consider this narration carefully; it is continuous from beginning to end. Every narrator of the narration, from the Tabi‘in, Tabi‘ al-Tabi‘in, Sahabah, even up to the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, raising the hands is established, and all narrators of the narration are trustworthy, so this narration is of the highest degree of authenticity.
Objections to the mentioned hadith and their answers:
(1) Objection:
In the chain of this hadith, there is a narrator Muhammad ibn Fadl al-Sudusi ‘Arim Abu al-‘Uman, whose memory deteriorated around 213 AH, causing confusion and loss of intellect.
(1) Answer:
Remember that Muhammad ibn Fadl al-Sudusi did not narrate any hadith after his memory deteriorated.
Imam Dhahabi, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
«تغير قبل موته فما حدث»
“Before his death, his memory deteriorated; after that, he did not narrate any hadith.”
Imam Dar Qutni, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
«ما ظهر له بعد اختلاطه حديث منكر وهو ثقة»
“After the confusion, no rejected narration appeared from him, and he is a trustworthy narrator.”
Therefore, objectors cannot prove that Muhammad ibn Fadl al-Sudusi narrated this hadith after his memory deteriorated. Since no narration is established from him after that, criticism is completely futile and pointless.
(2) Answer:
According to the mentioned narration, Muhammad ibn Fadl al-Sudusi was an Imam and Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Salmi was a follower. Would anyone whose intellect is lost be appointed as an Imam?
Damn the sectarianism that hides the truth on its basis.
Hadiths of our Master Abdullah ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him:
«عن ابن عمر أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يرفع يديه حذو منكبيه إذا افتح الصلاة ، وإذا كبر للركوع ، وإذا رفع رأسه من الركوع رفعهما كذلك أيضا ، وقال (سمع الله لمن حمده ربنا لك الحمد) وكان لا يفعل ذلك فى السجود»
“Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that when the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) started the prayer, he would raise both his hands up to the shoulders, and similarly when saying the Takbir for Ruku (bowing), he would raise both hands. When he would raise his head from Ruku, he would raise both hands up to his shoulders and say سمع الله لمن حمده ربنا لك الحمد, and he did not raise his hands in the prostrations.”
Benefit:
Hafiz Iraqi writes in the explanation of this Hadith:
«فـيـه فـوائد: الأولى فيه رفع اليدين فى هذه المواطن الثلاثة عند تكبيرة الإحرام وعند الركوع وعند الرفع منه وبه قال أكثر العلماء من السلف والخلف»
“There are many benefits in this Hadith: The first benefit is that raising the hands is established at these three places: when starting the prayer, before Ruku, and after Ruku, and most scholars of the Salaf and Khalaf hold this view.”
«عن نافع ، أن ابن عمر رضى الله عنه كان إذا دخل فى الصلاة كبر ورفع يديه ، وإذا ركع رفع يديه وإذا قال: سمع الله لمن حمده ، رفع يديه ، وإذا قام من الركعتين رفع يديه، ورفع ذلك ابن عمر إلى النبي»
“Nafi‘ (the teacher of Imam Malik) narrates that when Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) entered the prayer, he would say the Takbir and raise his hands; when going to Ruku, he would raise his hands; when saying سمع الله لمن حمده, he would raise his hands; and when rising from two Rak‘ahs, he would also raise his hands. Ibn Umar used to narrate this Hadith as Marfu‘ (attributed) to the Prophet (peace be upon him).”
«أن عبد الله بن عمر قال: صلى لنا النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم العشاء فى آخر حياته ، فلما سلم قام فقال: أرأيتكم ليلتكم هذه، فإن رأس مائة سنة منها لا يبقى ممن هو على ظهر الأرض أحد»
“Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said that towards the end of his life, the Prophet (peace be upon him) led us in the Isha prayer once. When he finished the Salam, he stood up and said: ‘Tonight is your night, and from this night until the end of one hundred years, no person who is on the earth will remain.'”
Benefit:
Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was among the companions who were distinguished in following the Sunnah and who prayed the last prayers of the Prophet (peace be upon him) with him. Furthermore, he also narrates the raising of hands from the Prophet (peace be upon him) as mentioned above, so it is clear that the Prophet (peace be upon him) raised his hands even in his last days. And if the Prophet (peace be upon him) had not raised his hands in his last days, he would never have narrated raising the hands, but rather would have narrated abandoning raising the hands. And Allah knows best!
Hadiths of Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنه:
The above narrations are transmitted from two students of Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنه. They are his son Salim and the other Imam Nafi, the teacher of Imam Malik رحمه الله. The students of Imam Nafi are Musa bin Uqbah, Ayyub, Ubaidullah, and Artaah bin Al-Mundhir, while Salim’s student is Ibn Shihab Az-Zuhri رحمه الله. These narrations are present in approximately nineteen (19) books of Hadith. Please understand this detail well with the help of the table.
Hadith of Sayyiduna Malik bin Al-Huwairith رضي الله عنه:
«عن مالك بن الحويرث رضی اللہ عنہ قال: كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا كبر رفع يديه ، وإذا ركع ، وإذا رفع رأسه من الركوع .»
“Sayyiduna Malik bin Huwayrith, may Allah have mercy on him, says that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, used to raise his hands when saying Takbir al-Tahrimah, when bowing, and when rising from bowing.”
Benefit:
When the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was busy preparing for the Battle of Tabuk in the 9th year of Hijrah, Sayyiduna Malik bin Huwayrith, may Allah be pleased with him, came to Madinah with his companions and embraced Islam. When taking leave, the Prophet, peace be upon him, instructed him to pray in the same manner as he had seen the Prophet pray. Sayyiduna Malik bin Huwayrith, may Allah be pleased with him, says that he had seen the Prophet, peace be upon him, raising his hands. From Sayyiduna Malik bin Huwayrith’s statement, it is understood that raising the hands was practiced until the year 9 AH, and Malik bin Huwayrith himself practiced raising the hands, as will be explained further. This shows that this companion continued the practice of raising the hands even after the death of the Prophet, peace be upon him, as narrated by the esteemed Tabi’i Abu Qulabah, may Allah have mercy on him.
Hadith of Sayyidina Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه :
«عن أبى هريرة رضی اللہ عنہ يقول: كان رسول الله إذا افتتح الصلاة كبر ، ثم جعل يديه حذو منكبيه وإذا ركع فعل مثل ذلك وإذا سجد فعل مثل ذلك، ولا يفعله حين يرفع رأسه من السجود وإذا قام من الركعتين فعل مثل ذلك»
“It is narrated from Sayyidina Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that when the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم started the prayer, he would raise his hands up to the shoulders, and when he bowed (ruku’), he would do the same, and when he prostrated (i.e., going straight from bowing to prostration), he would also do the same. However, when rising from prostration, he would not do so. When he rose after two rak’ahs, he would raise his hands.”
Hadith of Sayyidina Ali ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه :
«عن على بن أبى طالب رضى الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يرفع يديه إذا كبر للصلاة حذو منكبيه، وإذا أراد أن يركع وإذا رفع رأسه من الركوع ، وإذا قام من الركعتين فعل مثل ذلك .»
“It is narrated from Sayyiduna Ali رضي الله عنه that when the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said Takbir al-Tahrimah for prayer, he would raise his hands up to the level of his shoulders, and when he intended to bow and when he raised his head from bowing, and when he stood up for the third rak’ah, he would raise his hands in the same way.”
Benefit:
Maulvi Faiz Ahmad Multani has declared this hadith authentic.
Hadith of Sayyiduna Anas رضي الله عنه:
«عن أنس قال: رأيت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يرفع يديه إذا افتتح الصلاة وإذا ركع، وإذا رفع رأسه من الركوع .»
“Sayyiduna Anas رضي الله عنه says: I saw the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم when he started the prayer, and when he went into Ruku, and likewise when he rose from Ruku, he would raise his hands.”
Benefit:
This hadith is narrated through the chain of Humaid al-Taweel from Anas رضي الله عنه. And the great Barelvi jurist Maulvi Abu Yusuf Muhammad Sharif, in one place, quotes Talwi Humaid from the chain of Anas رضي الله عنه with reference to Imam Dar Qutni and Maulvi Naimwi:
رواته كلهم ثقات اور اسناده جيد .
Hadiths of Sayyiduna Wa’il bin Hujr رضي الله عنه:
Sayyiduna Wa’il bin Hujr رضي الله عنه was a prince of Hadramaut (Yemen). When he came to Medina carrying the love of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم seated him with himself on the pulpit, assigned him a share of land in his region, and gave him a written decree. He said, “He is the chief of his tribe.”
«عن وائل بن حجر أنه رأى النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم رفع يديه حين دخل فى الصلوة ، كبر وصف همام حيال أذنيه ثم التحف بثوبه ثم وضع يده اليمنى على اليسرى ، فلما أراد أن يركع أخرج يديه من الثوب ثم رفعهما ، ثم كبر فركع فلما قال: سمع الله لمن حمده رفع يديه فلما سجد سجد بين كفيه»
It is narrated from Sayyiduna Wa’il bin Hujr رضي الله عنه that he saw the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم when he entered the prayer, he raised his hands and said الله اَكْبَرُ, then wrapped himself in his garment, then placed his right hand over his left hand. When he intended to bow, he took his hands out of the garment, raised his hands again, and said اللَّهُ اَكْبَر and bowed. When he said سَمِعَ اللهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَه, he also raised his hands, and he prostrated placing his hands between his palms.”
«عن وائل بن حجر الحضرمى قال: رأيت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا افتتح الصلاة، رفع يديه ، وإذا ركع وبعد ما يرفع رأسه من الركوع قال وائل: ثم أتيتهم فى الشتاء فرأيتهم يرفعون أيديهم فى البرانس»
It is narrated from Sayyiduna Wa’il bin Hujr al-Hadrami رضي الله عنه that he saw the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم raise his hands when starting the prayer, when bowing, and when standing up from bowing.
Sayyiduna Wa’il رضي الله عنه says:
“I came to him again in the cold season. The Companions رضي الله عنهم were wrapped in cloaks, and I saw that they were raising their hands from inside them.”
Benefit:
Sayyiduna Wa’il bin Hujr رضي الله عنه embraced Islam in the last days of the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم. Sayyiduna Wa’il رضي الله عنه states that the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم and all the Companions رضي الله عنهم used to raise their hands (raf’ al-yadayn). Sayyiduna Wa’il رضي الله عنه came to the Prophet in 9 and 10 Hijri, and the Prophet and his Companions used to raise their hands. Therefore, whoever claims the abrogation of raising hands must present a hadith after that time because the abrogating text comes after the abrogated one. If there is any hadith after 10 Hijri that forbids or abrogates raising hands, then the matter can be considered; otherwise, merely claiming abrogation does not prove it.
Sayyiduna Wa’il bin Hujr رضي الله عنه was a prince of Yemen and among the children of kings. The Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم had given glad tidings of his arrival three days before he came.
In 9 Hijri, when the delegations came to the Master of the Worlds صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم, Hafiz Ibn Kathir رحمه الله mentioned the arrival of Sayyiduna Wa’il رضي الله عنه among them.
Sayyiduna Wa’il bin Hujr رضي الله عنه came again to the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم in 10 Hijri.
In 10 Hijri, Sayyiduna Wa’il bin Hujr رضي الله عنه also observed the raising of hands.
Accordingly, Allama Abu al-Hasan al-Sindhi al-Hanafi states:
“Sayyiduna Malik bin al-Huwairith and Sayyiduna Wa’il bin Hujr رضي الله عنه are narrators who described raising hands and prayed with the Prophet in his last days. Therefore, their narration of raising hands at the time of bowing and rising from it is evidence of the lateness of raising hands and the invalidity of its claimed abrogation. Yes! If abrogation is accepted, then the abandonment of raising hands should be considered abrogated.”
Hadith of Faltan bin Asim Jari, may Allah be pleased with him:
Sayyiduna Faltan bin Asim Jari, may Allah be pleased with him, says:
«أتيت النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم فوجدتهم يصلون فى البرانس والأكيفية يرفعون أيديهم الخ»
“I came to the presence of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and saw that he used to raise his hands in prayer along with his companions.”
Note:
Our Muslim brothers! After reading these Prophetic hadiths, the upcoming pages on prayer should also reflect the practical expression of love for the Prophet, peace be upon him. Otherwise, mere verbal claims of love without practical evidence are not accepted by Allah Almighty.
Allah Almighty says:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَلَا تُبْطِلُوا أَعْمَالَكُمْ﴾
“O you who have believed! Obey Allah and His Messenger and do not ruin your deeds.”
The raising of hands (Raf’ al-Yadain) by the Rightly Guided Caliphs, may Allah be pleased with them:
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
«عليكم بسنتي وسنة الخلفاء الراشدين المهديين، عضوا، عليها بالنواجذ .»
“Hold firmly to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of my rightly guided Caliphs, and cling to it tightly as if it were a burning coal.”
In the light of this blessed hadith of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, it is obligatory to follow the Sunnah of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, the Four Caliphs, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq, Umar, Uthman, and Ali, may Allah be pleased with them. And if you look at the following blessed hadiths, you will find that the Four Caliphs, may Allah be pleased with them, used to raise their hands in supplication. So why do those who chant the slogan of the Four Friends abandon raising their hands? This is beyond understanding. Truly, the lovers of the Companions and Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah are those who follow the understanding and practice of the noble Companions, may Allah be pleased with them.
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq رضي الله عنه :
Syedna Abdullah bin Zubair رضي الله عنه says:
“I prayed behind Syedna Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه and he raised his hands when starting the prayer, going into Ruku, and rising from Ruku.”
Syedna Umar bin Khattab رضي الله عنه:
It is narrated from Sayyiduna Umar ibn Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) that I saw the Messenger of Allah when he started the prayer and when he raised his head from the bowing position, he would also raise both hands.
It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) that whenever he started the prayer, when he bowed, and when he raised his head from bowing, he would raise his hands, and it is also established from Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) in the same way, and the narrators of this hadith are trustworthy.
It is narrated from Abdullah ibn Qasim that once people were praying in the Prophet’s Mosque when suddenly Sayyiduna Umar ibn Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) came and said: O people! Turn your faces towards me, I will lead you in prayer as the Messenger of Allah used to pray himself, and he used to command us to pray in the same way. Then Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) stood facing the Qiblah and raised both his hands until they were level with his shoulders. Then he said Allahu Akbar, then he bowed, and did the same when raising his head from bowing, and then he told the people that this is how the Messenger of Allah used to lead us in prayer. The Sheikh said that the narrators of its chain are well-known.
Sayyiduna Uthman ibn Affan رضي الله عنہ:
Imam Bayhaqi and Hakim have said:
« فَقَدْ رُوِيَ هَذِهِ السُّنَّةُ عَنْ أَبِي بَكْرٍ وَعُمَرَ وَعُثْمَانَ وعلي. »
“The Sunnah of raising the hands has been narrated from Abu Bakr Siddiq, Umar, Uthman, and Ali رضي الله عنهم.”
Imam Bayhaqi states:
«لأن رفع اليدين قد صح عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم ثم عن الخلفاء الراشدين ثم عن الصحابة والتابعين .»
“That is, raising the hands is established from the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم, the Rightly Guided Caliphs, then all the Sahabah and Tabi’in.”
Sayyiduna Ali Al-Murtaza رضي الله عنہ :
Sayyiduna Ali رضي الله عنه says that when the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said Takbir al-Ihram for prayer, he would raise both hands up to the level of the shoulders and in front. Similarly, when going into Ruku and when rising from Ruku, and after completing two Rak’ahs, he would raise his hands (Raf’ al-Yadain).
Also, Imam Bukhari رحمه الله states at the beginning of the chapter on Raf’ al-Yadain after narrating this Hadith: seventeen companions رضي الله عنهم narrated:
«أنهم كانوا يرفعون أيديهم عند الركوع وعند الرفع منه»
“Indeed, he used to raise his hands when going into Ruku and when rising from Ruku.”
All the companions رضي الله عنهم used to raise their hands (Raf’ al-Yadain):
Everyone should adopt the same faith with which the companions رضي الله عنهم were characterized, which is mentioned in the following noble verse of the Quran, so that the servant will be on the Straight Path. Allah Almighty said:
﴿ فَإِنْ آمَنُوا بِمِثْلِ مَا آمَنتُم بِهِ فَقَدِ اهْتَدَوا ۖ وَّإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنَّمَا هُمْ فِي شِقَاقٍ ۖ فَسَيَكْفِيكَهُمُ اللَّهُ ۚ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ﴾
“So if they believe as you have believed, then they are rightly guided; but if they turn away, they are in opposition. And Allah is sufficient for you against them, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing.”
And the exalted saying of the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم is:
«إقتدوا باللذين من بعدى من أصحابي ، أبى بكر وعمر، واهتدوا بهدي عمار ، وتمسكوا بعهد ابن مسعود»
“After me, follow my companions, like Abu Bakr and Umar, and adopt the conduct of Ammar and hold firmly to the statements of Ibn Mas’ud.” Thus, the company of the companions رضي الله عنهم is worthy of following and emulating. Understanding and practicing the Sunnah of the Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم according to the understanding and practice of the companions will make things right; otherwise, neither can the Sunnah of the Prophet be truly understood nor practiced. Like the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم and the four rightly guided caliphs, all other companions رضي الله عنهم also used to raise their hands (Raf’ al-Yadain). Therefore, raising the hands is a Sunnah that has not been abrogated. Nor did the companions رضي الله عنهم pray according to Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, or Hanbali schools, which did not exist at that time, but rather they followed the path of the Prophet and the love of the Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم instead of blindly following their ancestors, and this is the path to success. Sayyiduna Wa’il bin Hujr رضي الله عنه, Hasan al-Basri, Humayd bin Hilal, and Sa’id bin Jubayr رحمهم الله without exception say: “All the companions رضي الله عنهم used to raise their hands at the beginning of the prayer, when going into Ruku, and when rising from Ruku.”
Allama Ibn Hazm رحمه الله states: “All the companions رضي الله عنهم used to raise their hands.”
Hafiz Ibn Hajar رحمه الله narrates from his teacher Hafiz Abu al-Fadl رحمه الله:
«أنه تتبع من رواه من الصحابة فبلغوا خمسين رجلا»
“He researched regarding the companions رضي الله عنهم and found fifty companions رضي الله عنهم who narrated the practice of raising hands.”
«عن الحسن قال: كان أصحاب النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم كأنما أيديهم المراوح يرفعونها إذا ركعوا ، وإذا رفعوا رؤوسهم .»
“It is narrated from Hasan al-Basri رحمه الله that the hands of the companions of the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم were like fans, raising their hands when going into Ruku and when rising from Ruku.”
«عن حميد بن هلال قال: كان أصحاب النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا صلوا كان أيديهم حيال آذانهم كأنها المراوح .»
“It is narrated from Humayd bin Hilal رحمه الله that the companions of the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم used to raise their hands in prayer, their hands moving up and down like fans.”
«عن أبى موسى الأشعري قال: هل أريكم صلاة رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فكبر ورفع يديه ، ثم كبر ورفع يديه ، ثم قال: سمع الله لمن حمده ثم رفع يديه ، ثم قال هكذا فاصنعوا ، ولا يرفع بين السجدتين .»
“Sayyiduna Abu Musa al-Ash’ari رضي الله عنه narrates: He said: Shall I tell you the way the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم prayed and teach you? Then he said Allahu Akbar and raised both hands, then said Takbir for Ruku and raised both hands, then سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ and raised his hands, then said do the same and did not raise hands in prostration.”
«عن أبى قلابة أنه رأى مالك بن الحويرث إذا صلى كبر ورفع يديه ، وإذا أراد أن يركع رفع يديه ، وإذا رفع رأسه من الركوع رفع يديه ، وحدث أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم صنع هكذا . »
“It is narrated from Abu Qulabah رحمه الله that he saw Sayyiduna Malik bin Huwayrith رضي الله عنه when he started prayer, he said Takbir and raised his hands, and when he intended to go into Ruku, he raised his hands, and when he rose from Ruku, he raised his hands, and he narrated that the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم used to do the same.”
«عن عبد ربه بن سليمان بن عمير قال: رأيت أم الدرداء رضى الله عنه ترفع يديها فى الصلاة حذو منكبيها حين تفتتح الصلاة ، وحين تركع ، فإذا قالت سمع الله لمن حمده رفعت يديها،وقالت ربنا ولك الحمد . »
“It is narrated from Abdur-Rabbah Sulayman bin Umair that he saw Sayyidah Umm Darda رضي الله عنها raising both hands to shoulder level in prayer when starting prayer and when going into Ruku, and when سمع الله لمن حمده she would say ربنا ولك الحمد as well.”
«عن عباس بن سهل قال اجتمع أبو حميد وأبو أسيد وسهل بن سعد و محمد بن حمد بن مسلمة فذكروا صلاة رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال أبو حميد: أنا أعلمكم بصلاة رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: فكبر فرفع يديه ، ثم رفع يديه حين كبر للركوع فوضع يديه على ركبتيه .»
“Abbas bin Suhail says that Abu Humayd, Abu Usayd, Suhail bin Sa’d, and Muhammad bin Muslimah رضي الله عنهم gathered and began discussing the prayer of the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم. Abu Humayd said: I know the prayer of the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم better than all of you. Then he stood, said Takbir, and raised his hands. Then when he said Takbir for Ruku, he raised his hands and placed his hands on his knees.”
Benefit:
This narration is present in Sunan Abu Dawood (730) and Sunan Tirmidhi (304), in which Abu Humayd al-Sa’idi said in a gathering of ten companions that he knew the prayer of the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم better than them all. Then he demonstrated the prayer, and all the companions said to him: «صدقت هكذا يصلى » “You spoke the truth; the Chief of the Messengers صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم used to pray like this.”
This also includes raising hands when rising from Ruku and raising hands after two Rak’ahs. This was after the death of the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم when the companions discussed his prayer; otherwise, they would have said, “Let’s go and see in front of us.”
Imam Ibn Khuzaymah رحمه الله after narrating this Hadith says that he heard Muhammad bin Yahya say: “Whoever does not raise his hands when going into Ruku and rising from it despite hearing Abu Humayd’s Hadith, his prayer will be deficient.”
«عن أبى حمزة قال: رأيت ابن عباس رضى الله عنه يرفع يديه حيث كبر، وإذا ركع، وإذا رفع رأسه من الركوع .»
“Abu Hamzah says that he saw Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه saying Takbir al-Ihram and raising his hands when going into Ruku and when rising from Ruku.”
«عن عطاء قال: رأيت جابر بن عبد الله ، وأبا سعيد و ابن عباس وابن الزبير يرفعون أيديهم حين يفتتحون الصلاة ، وإذا ركعوا ، وإذا رفعوا رؤوسهم من الركوع .»
“(Imam Abu Hanifah رحمه الله’s teacher) Ata رحمه الله says that he saw Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas, Sayyiduna Ibn Zubair, Sayyiduna Abu Sa’id, and Sayyiduna Jabir رضي الله عنهم all raising their hands at the start of prayer and at Ruku.”
Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنه when he saw someone praying without raising hands, he would throw pebbles at him and say that raising hands is the adornment of prayer.
«عن نافع أن ابن عمر كان إذا دخل فى الصلوة رفع يديه، وإذا ركع رفع يديه ، وإذا قال سمع الله لمن حمده رفع يديه ، وإذا قام من الركعتين رفع يديه ، ورفع ذلك ابن عمر إلى النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم»
It is narrated from Nafi’ رحمه الله (teacher of Imam Malik رحمه الله) that Sayyiduna Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه would say Takbir when entering prayer and raise his hands. And when سَمِعَ اللهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ he would raise his hands, and when rising from two Rak’ahs he would raise his hands. Sayyiduna Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه narrated this as a Marfu’ (attributed) to the Noble Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم.”
Benefit:
Imam Bukhari رحمه الله’s teacher Imam Ali bin Madini رحمه الله says that based on the Hadith of Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنه, raising hands is obligatory for Muslims.
«عن أبى الزبير أن جابر ابن عبد الله كان إذا افتح الصلوة رفع يديه ، وإذا ركع ، وإذا رفع رأسه من الركوع فعل مثل ذلك ويقول: رأيت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فعل مثل ذلك .»
“It is narrated from Abu Zubair that Jabir رضي الله عنه when starting prayer would raise both hands, and when going into Ruku and rising from Ruku, he would also raise his hands, saying that the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم used to raise his hands like this.”
Abdullah bin al-Qasim says:
«بينما الناس يصلون فى مسجد رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذ خرج عليهم عمر بن الخطاب رضى الله عنه فقال: أقبلوا على بوجوهكم أصلى بكم صلوة رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم التى كان يصلي ويأمر بها ، فقام مستقبل القبلة ورفع يديه حتى حاذا بهما منكبيه ، كبر ثم غض بصره ، ثم رفع يديه حتى حاذا بهما منكبيه ، ثم ركع وكذلك حين رفع قال للقوم هكذا كان رسول الله يصلي بنا.»
People were praying in the mosque of the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم when suddenly Umar bin Khattab رضي الله عنه came and said: “O people! Turn your faces towards me, I will show you how the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم prayed, which he used to pray and command.” So he stood facing the Qiblah, raised his hands to shoulder level, and said اللهُ أَكْبَرُ. Then he lowered his gaze, then raised his hands. Until his hands reached shoulder level, then he said Takbir, then went into Ruku, and raised his hands similarly when rising from Ruku. After the prayer, he told the people that the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم used to pray like this.”
«عن عاصم قال رأيت آنس بن مالك رضى الله عنه إذا افتتح الصلاة كبر ورفع يديه، ويرفع كلما ركع ، ورفع رأسه من الركوع»
“It is narrated from Asim that he saw Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik رضي الله عنه when he started prayer, said Takbir, and raised his hands, and when going into Ruku and when rising from Ruku, he raised his hands.”
Sayyiduna Sa’id bin Jubayr رحمه الله says:
The companions of the Noble Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم used to raise their hands at the beginning of prayer, at Ruku, and after rising from Ruku. Its chain is absolutely authentic.
It is established from these companions رضي الله عنهم that they used to raise their hands:
1. Abu Bakr Siddiq
2. Umar bin Khattab
3. Uthman bin Affan
4. Ali bin Abi Talib
5. Malik bin Huwayrith
6. Abu Musa al-Ash’ari
7. Abdullah bin Zubair
8. Anas bin Malik
9. Abdullah bin Zubair
10. Abdullah bin Abbas
11. Wa’il bin Hujr
12. Jabir bin Abdullah
13. Abu Sa’id
14. Abu Humayd
15. Faltan bin Asim Jari رضي الله عنهم all.
These are the fifteen companions رضي الله عنهم who narrate the practice of raising hands from the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم. The summary of the mentioned Ahadith can be understood with the help of this table:
Raising hands by the Tabi‘een:
The group of great Tabi‘in, may Allah have mercy on them, is also worthy of emulation. Because they are included among the best generations and they learned knowledge indirectly from the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them. And the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, were the immediate recipients of the Prophethood. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said:
«خيركم قرني ، ثم الذين يلونهم ، ثم الذين يلونهم .»
“The best people are those of my generation (i.e., the Companions), then those who come after them (i.e., the Tabi‘in), then those who come after them.” (Followers of the Followers)
Thus, the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, were proponents and practitioners of raising the hands (raf‘ al-yadayn), so the great Tabi‘in, may Allah have mercy on them, adopted this Sunnah and have always practiced it.
(1) «عن الربيع بن صبيح قال: رأيت محمدا والحسن وآبا نضرة والقاسم بن محمد وعطاء وطاؤسا ومجاهدا والحسن بن مسلم ونافعا وابن أبى نجيح إذا افتحوا الصلوة رفعوا أيديهم وإذا ركعوا ، وإذا رفعوا رووسهم من الركوع. »
Rabi‘ ibn Sabih says: I saw Muhammad ibn Sirin, Hasan al-Basri, Abu Nadhrah, Qasim ibn Muhammad (grandson of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him), ‘Ata ibn Abi Rabah (teacher of Abu Hanifa, may Allah have mercy on him), Tawus al-Yamani, Mujahid, Hasan ibn Muslim, Nafi‘ (teacher of Imam Malik), and Abdullah ibn Abi Najih, may Allah have mercy on them, when they started the prayer, when they bowed (ruku‘), and when they raised their heads from bowing, they would raise their hands.
(2) «عن ابن عجلان قال: سمعت النعمان بن أبى عياش يقول: لكل شيء زينة وزينة الصلاة أن ترفع يديك إذا كبرت ، وإذا ركعت ، وإذا رفعت رأسك من الركوع.»
“It is narrated from Muhammad ibn Ajlan that I heard from Nu‘man ibn Abi ‘Ayash who said: Everything has an adornment, and the adornment of prayer is that when you say Takbir al-Tahrimah, when you bow, and when you stand up straight from bowing, you raise both hands, that is, you perform raf‘ al-yadayn.”
(3) «عن داود بن إبراهيم قال: رأيت وهب بن منبة إذا كبر فى الصلاة رفع يديه حتى تكونا حذو أذنيه ، وإذا ركع ، وإذا رفع رأسه من الركوع .»
“It is narrated from Dawud ibn Ibrahim who said: I saw Wahb ibn Munabbih, a Tabi‘i, when he said the first Takbir, when he bowed, and when he raised his head from bowing, he raised his hands up to the level of his ears.”
(4) «عن عكرمة بن عمار قال: رأيت سالم بن عبد الله والقاسم بن محمد وعطاءا ومكحولا يرفعون أيديهم فى الصلاة إذا ركعوا وإذا رفعوا .»
“It is narrated from Ikrimah ibn ‘Ammar who said: I saw Salim ibn Abdullah, Qasim ibn Muhammad, ‘Ata (teacher of Imam Abu Hanifa, may Allah have mercy on him), and Makhul performing raf‘ al-yadayn when bowing and when raising their heads from bowing during prayer.”
(5) «عن عبد الملك قال: سألت سعيد بن جبير عن رفع اليدين فى الصلاة فقال: هو شيء تزين به صلاتك .»
“It is narrated from ‘Abd al-Malik ibn Sulayman that I asked Sa‘id ibn Jubayr, may Allah have mercy on him, about raising the hands in prayer, and he said: This is an act by which you adorn your prayer.”
Sayyiduna Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, may Allah have mercy on him, and raising the hands:
Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, writes in the section on raising the hands:
«عمروا بن المهاجر قال: كان عبد الله بن عامر ليسألني أن استأذن على عمر بن عبد العزيز، فاستأذنت له عليه فقال: الذى جلد أخاه فى أن يرفع يديه أن كنا لنودب عليه ونحن غلمان بالمدينة ، فلم يأذن له . »
“Amr bin Muhajir said: Abdullah bin Amir told me that I should take him to the Caliph of the Muslims, Umar bin Abdul Aziz, may Allah have mercy on him. When I mentioned this to Umar bin Abdul Aziz, may Allah have mercy on him, he said: This is Abdullah bin Amir, the one who used to whip his brother for raising his hands. We were taught to raise our hands when we were children in Medina. Therefore, Umar bin Abdul Aziz, may Allah have mercy on him, did not allow him to come to him.”
The following Tabi‘in and jurists have authentic chains proving the raising of hands before and after bowing (ruku‘):
➊ Hasan al-Basri
➋ Ata bin Abi Rabah (teacher of Imam Abu Hanifa)
➌ Tawus (student of Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him)
➍ Mujahid
➎ Nafi‘ (freed slave of Abdullah bin Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, teacher of Imam Malik)
➏ Salim
➐ Sa‘id bin Jubayr, may Allah have mercy on him
➑ Abu Qulaba
➒ Ibn Abi Najih
➓ Hasan bin Muslim
⓫ Abdullah bin Dinar
⓬ Qasim bin Muhammad
⓭ Umar bin Abdul Aziz
⓮ Qais bin Sa‘d
⓯ Muhammad bin Sirin
⓰ Makhul, may Allah have mercy on him
⓱ Nu‘man bin Abi ‘Ayash
Table:
Dear readers! The great Tabi‘in, may Allah have mercy on them, acquired the knowledge of prophethood from the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, and they practiced whatever the Companions taught them. Raising the hands is proven from the great Tabi‘in, may Allah have mercy on them. With the help of the table given below, you will clearly understand that the Tabi‘in took this Sunnah from the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, and they narrated it from the Noble Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him. Therefore, if a person follows the Tabi‘in, he cannot abandon raising the hands. In this table, you will see that the respected teacher of Imam Abu Hanifa, may Allah have mercy on him, Ata bin Abi Rabah, is a narrator of the hadith about raising the hands and he himself used to raise his hands. Imam Abu Hanifa, may Allah have mercy on him, says that the authentic hadith is my madhhab (school of thought). So, following such a great personality and not raising the hands is like building a structure on sand. And Allah knows best!
Raising the Hands (Raf’ al-Yadain) in the Light of the Practice of the Followers of the Followers (Tabi’een) and the Imams:
Allah Almighty says:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ ۖ فَإِن تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا﴾
“O you who have believed! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. Then if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.”
It is narrated in Sahih Bukhari that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
«من أطاعنى فقد أطاع الله ، ومن عصاني فقد عصى الله، ومن أطاع أميرى فقد أطاعني ، ومن عصى أميري فقد عصاني»
“Whoever obeys me has obeyed Allah, and whoever disobeys me has disobeyed Allah, and whoever obeys my leader has obeyed me, and whoever disobeys my leader has disobeyed me.”
Imam Bukhari (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that this verse was revealed regarding Abdullah bin Hudhafah bin Qais bin Adi. Imam Ahmad narrated from Ali bin Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) sent a military detachment under the leadership of an Ansari. The leader of the detachment became angry with the people over something, so he lit a fire and asked the people to jump into it. A young man from the detachment said to the people that they should ask the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). When they returned and asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), he said that if you had jumped into it, you would never have come out of it. Obedience to the leader is in good deeds.
Allama Taybi writes that the repetition of the verb in وأطيعوا الرسول indicates that obedience to the Messenger is continuous. And the non-repetition of the verb in وأولى الامر indicates that their obedience is conditional. If their command is according to the Quran and Sunnah, then obedience is given; otherwise, not. According to Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), اولي الامر refers to the people of jurisprudence and religion, and according to Mujahid, Ata, Hasan al-Basri, and others, it refers to the scholars.
But apparently, the truth is that all those who have authority to decide, leaders, and scholars are meant.
Therefore, the actions of the followers of the Tabi‘in and the Imams of Guidance that are according to the Book and Sunnah are to be followed. The following discussion will show that the Imams of Guidance and the followers of the Tabi‘in also performed raising of the hands (Raf‘ al-Yadayn), which is the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). So why do the followers deny the Imams raising the hands?
❀ Imam Abdullah bin Mubarak (student of Imam Abu Hanifa, may Allah have mercy on him) says:
«كأني أنظر إلى النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم وهو يرفع فى الصلاة لكثرة الأحاديث وجودة الأسانيد »
“Meaning, there are so many authentic and excellent chains of narration from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) that it is as if I see the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) raising his hands in prayer.”
❀ Imam Bayhaqi (may Allah have mercy on him) writes about Ata bin Abi Rabah (teacher of Imam Abu Hanifa, may Allah have mercy on him): Ayub (may Allah have mercy on him) said that I saw Ata praying.
«يرفع يديه إذا افتتح الصلوة ، وإذا ركع ، وإذا رفع رأسه من الركوع .»
“That when he started the prayer, when he went into Ruku‘, and when he rose from Ruku‘, he raised his hands.”
Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him:
Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, also used to raise his hands (raf’ al-yadain) at Takbir al-Tahrima and when going into and coming out of Ruku’ in his prayers.
Imam Malik narrates this blessed hadith in his Muwatta; it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, that:
«أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان إذا افتتح الصلوة رفع يديه حدو منكبيه ، وإذا كبر للركوع ، وإذا رفع رأسه من الركوع رفعهما كذلك أيضا ، وقال سمع الله لمن حمده ربنا ولك الحمد، وكان لا يفعل ذلك فى السجود .»
“The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, when he started the prayer, would raise both hands up to the level of the shoulders, and when he raised his head from Ruku’, he would also raise both hands in this manner, and say ”سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ“. He did not raise his hands during prostrations, nor when going into prostration.”
Hafiz Ibn Abd al-Barr, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
«روى ابن وهب والوليد بن مسلم وسعيد بن أبى مريم وأشهب وأبوا المصعب عن مالك أنه كان يرفع يديه على حديث بن عمر هذا إلى أن مات.»
“That is, Imam Ibn Wahb, Imam Walid bin Muslim, Imam Saeed bin Abi Maryam, Imam Ashhab, and Imam Abu Mus’ab have stated regarding Imam Malik that he continued to raise his hands in prayer in accordance with the hadith of Sayyiduna Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, until his death.”
Imam Tirmidhi, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
«وبه يقول مالك ومعمر والأوزاعي وابن عيينة وعبد الله بن المبارك والشافعي وأحمد وإسحق.»
“Imam Malik, Mu’ammar, Awza’i, Ibn Uyaynah, Ibn al-Mubarak, Imam Shafi’i, Ahmad, and Ishaq, may Allah have mercy on them, follow this practice.”
Imam Abdullah bin Wahb al-Masri, may Allah have mercy on him, said: I saw Imam Malik bin Anas raising his hands when starting the prayer, before Ruku’, and when raising his head from Ruku’. The narrator Abu Abdullah Muhammad bin Jabir bin Hammad al-Marwazi al-Faqih, may Allah have mercy on him, said: I mentioned this to Muhammad bin Abdullah bin al-Hakam, and he said: This is the statement and action of Imam Malik upon which he passed away, and this is the Sunnah. I act upon it, and Harmalah also acts upon it.
The mention of Imam Malik bin Anas, may Allah have mercy on him, regarding raising the hands is found in the following books:
➊ Jami’ Tirmidhi, with ‘Aridat al-Ahwazi 2/57, Jami’ Tirmidhi with Takhrij Ahmad Shakir 2/37
➋ Tarh al-Tathrib by al-Iraqi: 2/253/254
➌ Al-Tamhid by Ibn Abd al-Barr: 9/213, 222-223, narrated with chains from various routes
➍ Al-Istidhkar: 2/124
➎ Sharh Sahih Muslim by al-Nawawi: 4/95
➏ Al-Majmu’ Sharh al-Muhadhdhab: 3/399
➐ Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudamah 2941
➑ Nayl al-Awtar by al-Shawkani: 2/180, 4/180
➒ Ma’alim al-Sunan by al-Khattabi: 1/193
➓ Sharh al-Sunnah by al-Baghawi: 3/23
⓫ Al-Muhalla by Ibn Hazm 87/4
⓬ Al-Mufhim by al-Qurtubi with references from Tuhfat al-Ahwazi: 1/220 and others
⓭ Muwatta Imam Muhammad p. 89
It is not correct to say that Imam Malik’s practice was not to raise the hands based on the unauthentic book “Al-Mudawwana” attributed to the Malikis. Because the close and famous students of Imam Malik narrate that he used to raise the hands as has been stated. Rather, in the Muwatta, there is an authentic chain confirming the hadith of raising the hands from Imam Malik. Also, the teachers and students of Imam Malik used to raise their hands.
Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him:
Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, beautifully states in the light of authentic hadiths:
«لا يحل لأحد سمع حديث رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فى رفع اليدين فى افتتاح الصلوة، وعند الركوع ، والرفع من الركوع أن يترك الاقتداء بفعله صلى الله عليه وسلم .»
“Whoever hears the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, regarding raising the hands before bowing and after it at the beginning of the prayer, it is not permissible for him to leave acting upon it and abandoning following the Sunnah.”
Allama Subki, may Allah have mercy on him, says: It is clear from this that Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, considered raising the hands (raf’ al-yadain) obligatory and necessary. Rabi’ says that he asked Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, what is the meaning of raising the hands? He replied:
«تعظيم الله واتباع سنة نبيه صلى الله عليه وسلم »
“That it is the glorification of Allah Almighty and following the knowledge of the Prophetic Sunnah.”
it is written that Imam Rabi’ asked him about raising the hands at the time of bowing, and he replied:
Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
«تارك رفع اليدين عند الركوع والرفع منه تارك للسنة»
“Whoever abandons raising the hands abandons the Sunnah.”
Furthermore, Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
«وبهذا نقول فنأمر كل مصل ، اماما وماموما ، أو منفردا رجلا أو امرأة أن يرفع يديه إذا افتتح الصلاة، وإذا كبر للركوع، وإذا رفع رأسه من الركوع»
“This is our religion, and we command everyone who prays, whether an imam, follower, or praying alone, male or female, to raise their hands at the beginning of the prayer, when going into bowing, and when rising from bowing.”
Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, was of Quraysh lineage, was knowledgeable of Hanafi, Maliki, and Hanbali jurisprudence, was a student of Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, and among the teachers of Ahmad ibn Hanbal, may Allah have mercy on him. He had deep insight into the Book and Sunnah, and the understanding and practice of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, the Followers, and the Followers of the Followers. This is why Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, used to command raising the hands (raf’ al-yadain).
Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, may Allah have mercy on him:
Masail al-Imam Ahmad, Labi Dawood al-Sijistani
states:
«رأيت أحمد يرفع يديه عند الركوع ، وعند الرفع من الركوع كرفعه عند استفتاح الصلوة يحاذيان أذنيه وربما قصر عن رفع الافتتاح، قال: سمعت أحمد قيل له: رجل سمع هذه الأحاديث عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم ثم لا يرفع ، هو تام الصلوة؟ قال: تمام الصلوة لا أدري ولكن هو عندي فى نفسه متغرض»
“I have seen Imam Ahmad raising his hands up to the ears before and after bowing, just like at the beginning of the prayer, and sometimes he would raise his hands a little less than the initial raising of hands at the start of the prayer. And I heard Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy on him, say when he was asked: A person hears the Prophet’s ﷺ hadiths about raising the hands and yet does not raise his hands. Does his prayer become complete? The Prophet ﷺ said: I do not know if his prayer is complete, but yes, it is a deficient prayer in itself.”
Benefit:
Those who do not raise their hands, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, may Allah have mercy on him, has declared their prayers deficient. Who could know the hadith of the Messenger ﷺ better than Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, who earned the title Imam of Ahl al-Sunnah and was honored with writing the most comprehensive hadith book, Musnad.
Ibn al-Jawzi, may Allah have mercy on him, states:
“Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal was undoubtedly more knowledgeable and comprehensive in hadith than all other imams. His condition was that he disliked the compilation of books that gathered issues for entertainment and opinion.”
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, may Allah have mercy on him, was also a proponent and practitioner of raising the hands and performed his last prayer of his life during his illness with raising the hands.
Imam Muhammad bin Ismail Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him:
Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, was also a proponent and practitioner of raising the hands (Raf’ al-Yadain). The following texts indicate this.
➊ After the Holy Quran, the most authentic book is Sahih Bukhari. Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, has included five narrations of raising the hands in Sahih Bukhari, which are strong evidence of love for the Prophet ﷺ.
➋ Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, writing a section on raising the hands is evidence for the Muslim Ummah that this is an established and widely transmitted Sunnah. Therefore, the claim of abrogation of raising the hands is baseless and founded on corrupt interpretations.
➌ Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, states: “It is not proven from any one companion of the Prophet ﷺ that he did not raise his hands, and the chain of this narration is more authentic than the narrations that mention raising the hands.”
➍ Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, states: “The wives of some companions of the Prophet ﷺ knew more about raising the hands than those who did not raise their hands because they used to raise their hands in prayer.”
➎ Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, wrote that none of the Imams of the religion have any evidence from the Prophet ﷺ for abandoning raising the hands. Similarly, it is not proven from any companion that he did not raise his hands.
➏ Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, states: “Abdullah ibn Mubarak, may Allah have mercy on him (a student of Imam Abu Hanifa, may Allah have mercy on him), used to raise his hands and was among the famous scholars of his time. So if someone does not have knowledge from the Salaf, at least he should follow Ibn al-Mubarak, who followed the Prophet ﷺ, the companions, and the Tabi’in, rather than a person who has no knowledge.”
➐ Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, also states: “Narrations of raising the hands have reached us from a large number of scholars of Mecca, the people of Hijaz, Iraq, Sham, Basra, and Yemen.”
➑ Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, also states: “Abdullah ibn al-Zubair (al-Humaydi), Ali ibn Abdullah (al-Madini), Yahya ibn Ma’in, Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Ishaq ibn Ibrahim (al-Rahwiya) considered these hadiths of the Prophet ﷺ about raising the hands to be true and established. These people were among the great scholars of their time. Similarly, narrations have been transmitted from Abdullah ibn Umar ibn Khattab.”
➒ Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, states: “Ali ibn Abdullah (al-Madini), who was the greatest scholar of his time, said: Due to the narration of Zahri from Salim from his father, it is a right (and necessary) upon Muslims to raise their hands.”
➓ The companions of Imam Bukhari, the Ahl al-Hadith, also used to raise their hands, as Imam Hakim states:
«يظهرون فى آراء أهل الحديث من إفراد الإقامة ورفع الأيدي من الصلوات وغير ذلك»
“The companions of Bukhari believed in raising the hands and the final establishment (Iqamah).”
It is proven that these Sunni scholars, great Imams, and jurists, may Allah have mercy on them, practiced raising the hands:
➊ Imam Malik
➋ Imam Ibn Uyaynah
➌ Imam Shafi’i
➍ Abu al-Zubayr
➎ Imam Mu’ammar
➏ Imam Awza’i
➐ Imam Abdullah ibn Mubarak (student of Imam Abu Hanifa)
➑ Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
➒ Imam Ishaq ibn Rahwayh
➓ Al-Layth ibn Sa’d
⓫ Yahya ibn Sa’id al-Qattan
⓬ Abdur-Rahman ibn Mahdi
⓭ Yahya ibn Yahya al-Andalusi (special student of Imam Malik) and
⓮ Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him
Table
From the above discussion, it is as clear as daylight that the Tabi’in and the great Imams, may Allah have mercy on them, used to raise their hands, which they derived from the great Tabi’in, who in turn derived it from the companions, may Allah be pleased with them, and the companions, may Allah be pleased with them, narrated this pure Sunnah from the Noble Prophet ﷺ and practiced it. The table given below will make it easier to understand the matter:
Imam Ibn Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
Imam Ibn Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) says: “Whoever does not raise his hands while going into rukoo’ and while rising from rukoo’ is abandoning the Sunnah of the Prophet.”
Detailed Table:
Dear readers! From the above discussion, it has become as clear as daylight that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his noble companions (may Allah be pleased with them all), the great Tabi‘in and Tabi‘ al-Tabi‘in, and the noble Imams (may Allah have mercy on them) used to raise their hands (raf‘ al-yadayn).
In the illustrative table given below, eleven companions such as Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq, Abdullah bin Zubair, Ali bin Abi Talib, Abdullah bin Umar, Umair bin Habib, Anas bin Malik, Abu Hurairah, Wa’il bin Hujr, Malik bin Huwayrith, Abu Musa Ash‘ari, and Jabir bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with them) are mentioned. Twelve Tabi‘in such as Ata bin Abi Rabah, Ubaidullah bin Abi Rafi‘, Salim bin Abdullah Nafi‘, Ubaidullah bin Umair Hamid, Abu Bakr bin Abdul Rahman bin Harith, Alqamah bin Wa’il, Nasr bin Asim, Abu Qulabah, Hattan bin Abdullah, and Abu al-Zubair (may Allah have mercy on them) are included. Then the Tabi‘ al-Tabi‘in such as Ayub Sahhtiyani, Abdul Rahman bin Al-A‘raj, Ibn Shahab al-Zuhri, Awza‘i, Ubaidullah Abdul Wahhab, Abdul Jabbar bin Wa’il, Shu‘bah, Khalid, Azraq bin Qais, and Ibrahim bin Thahman are mentioned.
A large number of noble Imams such as Muhammad bin al-Fadl, Muhammad bin Isma‘il, Abu Abdullah al-Saffar, Abdullah bin al-Fadl, Musa bin ‘Uqbah, Abdul Rahman bin Abi Zinad, Sulayman bin Dawud, Yunus, Abdullah Muhammad bin Muqatil, Abdul A‘la, ‘Ayyash, Muhammad bin Bashar, Yahya bin Ayub, Shu‘ayb bin Yahya al-Tabbibi, Abu Zuhayr Abdul Majeed, Abu Bakr, Abu Tahir Muhammad bin Hamadah, Hammam, ‘Affan, Zuhayr bin Harb, Yahya bin Sa‘id al-Qattan, Yahya bin Yahya, Hammad bin Salmah, Nadr bin Shumayl, Ishaq bin Rahwayh, Abdullah bin Shirwayh, Da‘lij bin Ahmad, Abu Hudhayfah Muhammad bin Yahya al-Bayhaqi, Ahmad bin Hanbal, Bukhari, Ibn Khuzaymah, Muslim, Dar Qutni, and Ibn Majah are proven to have performed raf‘ al-yadayn. These are the great personalities who narrated the hadith of raising the hands and themselves used to raise their hands.
This table can be further expanded, but it is presented here as a sample with brevity and comprehensiveness for the readers:
Imam Ibn Khuzaymah, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
Imam Ibn Khuzaymah, may Allah have mercy on him, states: “Whoever abandons raising the hands, indeed he has left out a pillar of the prayer.”
Fatwa of Shah Waliullah, may Allah have mercy on him, the Muhaddith of Delhi:
Among the Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah in the Indian subcontinent, whatever group they belong to, Shah Sahib is held in great respect. The requirement of respect and reverence is that his sayings and fatwas should be safeguarded. Among these fatwas is the fatwa on raising the hands, therefore his admirers should act upon this fatwa. Shah Waliullah, may Allah have mercy on him, the Muhaddith of Delhi, states:
«والذي يرفع أحب إلى ممن لا يرفع فإن أحاديث الرفع اكثر واثبت»
“The one who raises the hands is more beloved to me than the one who does not, because the hadiths about raising the hands are more numerous and authentic.”
Fatwa of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani, may Allah have mercy on him:
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
«رفع اليدين عند الافتتاح والركوع والرفع منه»
“At the time of the first Takbir in prayer, when going into Ruku, and when rising from Ruku, one should raise the hands.”
Benefit:
People have attributed various false incidents and polytheistic beliefs to Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani, may Allah have mercy on him, blackening the pages of books, which have no connection to him whatsoever. However, the practice and the invitation of the Sheikh have been abandoned by these people due to prejudice.
The practice of Mujaddid Alf Thani Sheikh Ahmad bin Abdullah, may Allah have mercy on him:
Hazrat Mujaddid Alf Thani also used to raise his hands in prayer.
Raising the hands in the view of Hanafi scholars
Realist Hanafi scholars also believe in raising the hands (raf‘ al-yadayn). A few are mentioned in the following lines:
❀ Imam ‘Isam bin Yusuf Hanafi used to raise his hands when going into bowing (ruku‘) and when raising his head from bowing.
Benefit:
This same Imam ‘Isam bin Yusuf Balkhi, may Allah have mercy on him, who was a student of Imam Muhammad (a student of Imam Abu Hanifa) and a companion of Imam Yusuf (a student of Imam Abu Hanifa), often issued fatwas against Imam Abu Hanifa, may Allah have mercy on him. This was because when he did not find evidence supporting Imam Abu Hanifa’s opinion, he would issue fatwas against him based on opposing evidence.
❀ Allama Sindhi Hanafi records the hadiths related to raising the hands from Malik bin Hawarith, may Allah be pleased with him, and Wa’il bin Hujr, may Allah be pleased with him:
«مالك بن الحويرث ووائل بن حجر ممن صلى مع النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم فى آخر عمره فروايتهما الرفع عند الركوع والرفع منه دليل على بقائه وبطلان دعوى نسخه كيف وقد روى مالك هذا جلسة الإستراحة فحملوها على أنها كانت فى آخر عمره فى سي الكبر فهي ليس مما فعلها النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قصدا فلا يكون سنة وهذا يقتضى أن يكون الرفع الذى رواه ثابت لا منسوحا لكونه فى آخر عمره عندهم فالقول بأنه منسوخ قريب من التناقض وقد قال لمالك هذا وأصحابه صلواكما رأيتموني أصلى . ” والله تعالى أعلم .»
“Malik bin Hawarith and Wa’il bin Hujr, may Allah be pleased with them, are among the companions who prayed with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ in his last days. The narrated hadiths of raising the hands by both of them when going into bowing and when raising the head from bowing are evidence of its continuity and refute the claim that raising the hands has been abrogated. This same Malik bin Hawarith, may Allah be pleased with him, also narrated the hadith of sitting for rest, which the Hanafi scholars interpret as being due to old age in the Prophet’s last days, not intentionally nor as a Sunnah. This explanation requires that the raising of the hands narrated by Malik bin Hawarith, may Allah be pleased with him, is authentic and not abrogated, because the sitting for rest was in the Prophet’s last days. The claim of abrogation of raising the hands is close to contradiction. The Prophet ﷺ told Malik and his companions: ‘Pray as you have seen me praying.’ And Allah Almighty knows best.”
Maulana Anwar Shah Kashmiri Deobandi says:
«أن الرفع متواتر إسنادا ، أو مما لا يشك فيه ولم ينسخ ولا حرف منه».
“That is, the hadith of raising the hands is mutawatir both in chain and practice, about which there can be no doubt, and not a single letter of it has been abrogated.”
❀ Maulana Abdul Hay Lakhnawi, may Allah have mercy on him, says:
“The truth is that there is no doubt about the proof of raising the hands at the time of going into bowing and raising the head from bowing from the Prophet ﷺ and many of his companions, may Allah be pleased with them, based on strong chains and authentic reports.”
He also says: “The evidence for raising the hands from the Prophet ﷺ is very abundant and excellent. Those who say that raising the hands is abrogated have baseless claims and no satisfactory evidence.”
❀ Besides them, Allama Rashid Gangohi acknowledged the authenticity and proof of raising the hands in Fatawa Rashidiyya (5/2), and Maulana Ashfaq ur-Rahman in Noor al-‘Aynain (85).
❀ Abdul Hamid Swati Deobandi wrote about raising the hands that “and if one does it, it is permissible.”
Many other Hanafi scholars have also acknowledged the proof of raising the hands.
Some of their honorable names are:
❀ Summary of correspondence between Major Abdul Salam Alvi and Maulana Mawdudi regarding the issue of raising the hands:
Major Sahib:
Respected Maulana Sahib, Assalamu Alaikum!
In response to one of my questions, you wrote that there are hadiths that mention raising the hands and hadiths that mention not raising the hands. Kindly write down the hadiths that mention raising the hands and also those that mention not raising the hands.
Mawdudi Sahib’s reply:
Respected, Assalamu Alaikum!
In response, I say that there is only one hadith that mentions not raising the hands, narrated by Abdullah bin Mas‘ud, may Allah be pleased with him, found in Abu Dawud, and it is weak. And there are many hadiths mentioning raising the hands, all of which are strong.
Wassalam
Abul A‘la Mawdudi
❀ Sheikh al-Hadith Maulana Abdullah, may Allah have mercy on him, asked Maulana Mawdudi about raising the hands, and Maulana Mawdudi replied:
The real issue is that raising the hands causes people to become startled and upset. Therefore, when I pray in public places, I do not raise my hands. But when I pray Tahajjud at home, I do raise my hands.
❀ And Maulana Mawdudi’s student and companion Dr. Israr Ahmad used to raise the hands even in public places.
❀ Maulana Tahir ul Qadri said in one of his speeches: “Brothers, those who raise their hands will also be in Paradise, go and see. Will Imam Bukhari be in Paradise or not? Imam Muslim, Imam Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Nasa’i, Ibn Majah—all will be there or not? Come down! The presence of Ghaus is remembered; in reality, Ghaus is Allah Almighty, not Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani. Allah Almighty says:
﴿إِذْ تَسْتَغِيثُونَ رَبَّكُمْ فَاسْتَجَابَ لَكُمْ أَنِّي مُمِدُّكُم بِأَلْفٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ مُرْدِفِينَ﴾
“When you were seeking help from your Lord, He heard your call and said: I will help you with a thousand angels, one after another.”
The Greatest, ours and yours, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani will be in Paradise or not? All of them used to raise their hands.”
Besides them, Qazi Sanaullah Panipati
, Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki
, Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi
, Maulana Hussain Ahmad Madani
, Mufti Muhammad Shafi Usmani in Monthly Ash-Shari‘ah
, Maulana Fakhruddin Deobandi
, and Maulana Taqi Usmani
were also supporters of raising the hands.
Final Request
Dear brothers and sisters! Every person wants a profitable deal in this world. If you follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ by raising your hands during prayer and you earn millions of good deeds for this act, tell me, what more do you want? Will you let go of this profitable deal, and would you prefer to prioritize the words of your Imams over the love and proof of the Sunnah of the Noble Prophet ﷺ and elevate your Imams above the Prophet ﷺ? No, you will definitely not dare to do that. We have this good opinion of you that by adopting this beloved and rewarding pure Sunnah of the beloved Prophet ﷺ, you will express love and affection through knowledge, because this is the way of a Muslim:
﴿ إِذَا دُعُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ لِيَحْكُمَ بَيْنَهُمْ أَن يَقُولُوا سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا ۚ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ﴾
“When the believers are called to Allah and His Messenger to judge between them, they say, ‘We have heard and obeyed.’ And those are the successful.”
﴿ذَٰلِكَ فَضْلُ اللَّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَن يَشَاءُ ۚ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ ﴾
“This is the bounty of Allah; He gives it to whom He wills. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.”
Dear brothers and sisters! You receive reward for raising your hands, but if you do not do it, you are deprived of the reward and, moreover, by opposing the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, you incur the displeasure of Allah Almighty and do not fulfill the great condition of acceptance of prayer, which is following the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. An act done without the teaching of the Prophetic Sunnah is misguidance.
Thus, Allah Almighty has said:
﴿فَلْيَحْذَرِ الَّذِينَ يُخَالِفُونَ عَنْ أَمْرِهِ أَن تُصِيبَهُمْ فِتْنَةٌ أَوْ يُصِيبَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ ﴾
“So let those beware who oppose the Messenger’s order lest some trial strike them or a painful punishment be inflicted on them.”
It is necessary to judge all matters of life by the Shariah brought by the Noble Prophet ﷺ and the criterion of his Sunnah. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
«(( من أحدث فى أمرنا هذا ما ليس فيه فهو رد . )) »
“Whoever does an action that is not according to our Sunnah is rejected and unacceptable.”
Come! Love the Prophetic Sunnah ﷺ, you will be granted the love of Allah and His Noble Messenger ﷺ, and furthermore, you will become deserving of Paradise.
وصلى الله تعالى على خير خلقه محمد و آله وصحبه وسلم .
