Common Mistakes in Raf‘ al-Yadayn (Raising Hands in Salah)

Adapted from the book “Raf‘ al-Yadayn Kyun Karoon?” by Abu Hamzah Abdul Khaliq Siddiqi

✦ ① Fingers Should Remain Naturally Spaced During Raf‘ al-Yadayn​

When performing Raf‘ al-Yadayn, the fingers should be in a natural, relaxed position — neither spread widely apart nor tightly closed together. This method is directly supported by Hadith:

❝ سنن ترمذی، ابواب الصلاة، باب ما جاء في نشر الأصابع عند التكبير، رقم: 240 ❞
❝ سنن أبي داؤد، رقم: 753 ❞
❝ مستدرك حاكم: 234/1 ❞
❝ صحيح ابن خزيمة: 233/1، 234 ❞

◈ This narration has been authenticated by Imam al-Hakim, Ibn Khuzaymah, and Shaykh al-Albani.

✦ ② Touching the Ears with Hands During Raf‘ al-Yadayn is Not Proven​

Some individuals mistakenly touch their ears with their hands while raising them during Takbir. However, there is no authentic evidence from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that supports this practice.

✦ ③ No Gender-Based Difference in the Height of Raising the Hands​

A common misconception is that men should raise their hands up to the ears, while women should raise them only to the shoulders. This is incorrect and has no basis in the Sunnah. All should perform Raf‘ al-Yadayn in the same manner regardless of gender.

Imam al-Shawkani رحمه الله stated:
❝ لم يرد ما يدل على الفرق بين الرجل والمرأة في مقدار الرفع ❞
[Nayl al-Awtar, 2/214, after Hadith no. 671]
"There is no Hadith indicating any difference between men and women in the height of raising the hands."