❖ Summary of Important Questions on Raf‘ al-Yadayn
① Is Raf‘ al-Yadayn a Mu’akkadah Sunnah or not?✔ It is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphasized Sunnah), consistently practiced by the Prophet ﷺ at the start of prayer, during the transition to and from ruku.
② Is Salah valid without Raf‘ al-Yadayn?
✔ Yes, it is valid. However, it lacks adherence to the Prophet’s ﷺ complete method of prayer.
③ Did the Prophet ﷺ perform Raf‘ al-Yadayn in his final prayers?
✔ Yes, Sahih Hadiths confirm the Prophet ﷺ continued Raf‘ al-Yadayn until the end of his life.
④ How many Hadiths support Raf‘ al-Yadayn?
✔ There are 12 authentic Hadiths affirming this practice from multiple reliable chains.
⑤ Did the Prophet ﷺ raise hands after sajdah?
✔ No, there is no evidence of raising hands after sajdah.
⑥ Does one earn 10 rewards per Raf‘ al-Yadayn?
✔ According to the general Quranic principle of 10 rewards per good deed, each act of Raf‘ al-Yadayn earns 10 rewards.
⑦ Did some Hanafi scholars liken Raf‘ al-Yadayn to a horse’s tail?
✔ Yes, though this statement lacks any basis in Hadith and undermines a clear Sunnah.
⑧ Is prayer valid for those who omit Raf‘ al-Yadayn?
✔ Technically valid, but the reward and adherence to Sunnah may be diminished.
⑨ Did the four Imams perform Raf‘ al-Yadayn?
✔ Imams Malik, Shafi‘i, and Ahmad practiced it. Imam Abu Hanifah acknowledged it only with the opening takbir.
⑩ Did the Rightly Guided Caliphs perform Raf‘ al-Yadayn?
✔ Yes, it is authentically reported from Sayyiduna ‘Umar and ‘Ali رضي الله عنهما.
❖ Conclusion
➤ Raf‘ al-Yadayn is a proven Sunnah Mu’akkadah, practiced by the Prophet ﷺ, his companions, and the major Imams.➤ Neglecting it does not nullify the prayer, but causes a loss of great reward and the complete Sunnah method of Salah.
