Ruling on Collective Duʿā with Raised Hands at the House of the Deceased: Analysis of 5 Deobandi Fatāwā
Source: Fatāwā ʿIlmiyyah, Volume 1, Kitāb al-Janā’iz, Page 514
What is the Sharʿī ruling on raising hands in collective duʿā for three consecutive days at the home of a deceased person?
(Asked by: Ḥājī Naẓīr Khān, Dāmān Hazro)
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
There is no evidence in the Sharīʿah for raising hands and making repetitive collective duʿās at the house of the deceased, whether for three days or otherwise. This is not part of the Sunnah, and is therefore considered a bidʿah (innovation).
“Raising hands in duʿā during taʿzīyah (condolence) is a bidʿah.”
Aḥsan al-Fatāwā, Vol. 4, p. 245
“There is no evidence from the Prophet ﷺ or the Companions (رضي الله عنهم) that they raised hands during condolence duʿā.”
Rajal Rasheed by Naʿīm al-Dīn Deobandi, p. 173
“The Sunnah method of taʿzīyah is to visit the house individually, offer words of comfort and patience. Raising hands for duʿā is not proven.”
Fatwā of Ḥabīb al-Raḥmān Deobandi, cited in Rajal Rasheed, p. 170
“The customary practice of raising hands and reciting Fātiḥah during condolence gatherings is not Sharʿī. Therefore, raising hands formally during taʿzīyah is not correct.”
Rajal Rasheed, p. 171
Despite declaring this practice unauthentic and bidʿah, many of those who issue such rulings are often seen participating in the same collective duʿā rituals during taʿzīyah.
Published in al-Ḥadīth Magazine, Issue 61
Repeated or structured collective duʿā with raised hands at the deceased’s home is:
– Not proven in Qur’an or Sunnah
– Not practiced by the Companions
– Declared bidʿah by Deobandi scholars themselves
The correct Sunnah is to visit the bereaved family, offer sincere condolences, and make individual duʿā — without raising hands collectively.
ھٰذَا مَا عِندِي، وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَاب
Source: Fatāwā ʿIlmiyyah, Volume 1, Kitāb al-Janā’iz, Page 514
❖ Question
What is the Sharʿī ruling on raising hands in collective duʿā for three consecutive days at the home of a deceased person?
(Asked by: Ḥājī Naẓīr Khān, Dāmān Hazro)
❖ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
There is no evidence in the Sharīʿah for raising hands and making repetitive collective duʿās at the house of the deceased, whether for three days or otherwise. This is not part of the Sunnah, and is therefore considered a bidʿah (innovation).
✦ Opinions from Leading Deobandi Scholars and Institutions
➊ Muftī Rashīd Aḥmad Ludhyānwī (Deobandi)
“Raising hands in duʿā during taʿzīyah (condolence) is a bidʿah.”
Aḥsan al-Fatāwā, Vol. 4, p. 245➋ Fatwā from Khayr al-Madāris, Multān
“There is no evidence from the Prophet ﷺ or the Companions (رضي الله عنهم) that they raised hands during condolence duʿā.”
Rajal Rasheed by Naʿīm al-Dīn Deobandi, p. 173➌ Fatwā from Dār al-ʿUlūm Deoband
“The Sunnah method of taʿzīyah is to visit the house individually, offer words of comfort and patience. Raising hands for duʿā is not proven.”
Fatwā of Ḥabīb al-Raḥmān Deobandi, cited in Rajal Rasheed, p. 170➍ Fatwā from Dār al-ʿUlūm Karachi
“The customary practice of raising hands and reciting Fātiḥah during condolence gatherings is not Sharʿī. Therefore, raising hands formally during taʿzīyah is not correct.”
Rajal Rasheed, p. 171✦ Important Note
Despite declaring this practice unauthentic and bidʿah, many of those who issue such rulings are often seen participating in the same collective duʿā rituals during taʿzīyah.
Published in al-Ḥadīth Magazine, Issue 61 Sharʿī Summary
Repeated or structured collective duʿā with raised hands at the deceased’s home is:– Not proven in Qur’an or Sunnah
– Not practiced by the Companions
– Declared bidʿah by Deobandi scholars themselves
The correct Sunnah is to visit the bereaved family, offer sincere condolences, and make individual duʿā — without raising hands collectively.ھٰذَا مَا عِندِي، وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَاب
