Referenced from: Fatawa ‘Ulama-e-Hadith, Kitab al-Salah, Vol. 1❖ Question
Is there any authentic narration about Raf‘ al-Yadayn (raising the hands in prayer) from the Khulafa’ al-Rashidun (Rightly Guided Caliphs)?❖ Answer
Yes, authentic reports confirm the practice of Raf‘ al-Yadayn among the companions of the Prophet ﷺ, including the Rightly Guided Caliphs.❖ Narrations from Imam al-Bukhari's
➤ Narration 1 – From Hasan al-Basri رحمه الله:“The companions of the Prophet ﷺ used to raise their hands like fans—when going into ruku‘ and when rising from it.”
(Juz’ Raf‘ al-Yadayn)
➤ Narration 2 – From Humayd ibn Hilal رحمه الله:
“When the companions of the Prophet ﷺ prayed, they would raise their hands up to their ears, like fans.”
(Juz’ Raf‘ al-Yadayn)
After quoting these narrations, Imam al-Bukhari رحمه الله stated:
“Neither Hasan al-Basri nor Humayd ibn Hilal excluded a single companion from this practice.”
This indicates the universal adoption of Raf‘ al-Yadayn among the Sahabah, which includes the Rightly Guided Caliphs.
❖ Additional Traces from the Caliphs
There are documented reports and narrative traces about Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, and ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنهم performing Raf‘ al-Yadayn. These have been preserved in various reliable collections. However, the key point remains that this practice is established from the Prophet ﷺ himself, and no abrogation exists.Wallahu A‘lam — And Allah knows best.
