Correct Method of Raf‘ al-Yadayn and Folding Hands in Salah(Derived from: Fatawa ‘Ulama-e-Hadith, Kitab al-Salah, Volume 1)
❖ Question:
Why is it necessary to avoid laziness and negligence in Salah?
❖ Answer:
Salah is a fundamental act of worship in Islam, and its performance requires complete focus and strict adherence to the Sunnah. Acts such as Raf‘ al-Yadayn (raising the hands) and folding the hands should not be carried out with laziness or negligence. These physical aspects of prayer are essential components of prophetic practice and must be performed with care and precision.
❖ Correct Method of Raf‘ al-Yadayn (Raising the Hands)
✔ Raising hands up to the shoulders:
The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have raised his hands to shoulder level while performing Raf‘ al-Yadayn.
Hadith: "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ would raise his hands up to the level of his shoulders."
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī – Bāb Raf‘ al-Yadayn fī al-Takbīrah al-Ūlā; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
✔ Raising hands up to the earlobes:
There is also a narration indicating the raising of hands up to the earlobes.
✔ Avoiding laziness in Raf‘ al-Yadayn:
Some people raise their hands below shoulder level, which is incorrect and contrary to Sunnah. This should be avoided. One must perform Raf‘ al-Yadayn properly and completely, understanding the importance of Salah and the correct Sunnah practice.
❖ Correct Method of Folding Hands
✔ Folding hands over the chest:
The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have folded his hands on his chest during Salah.
Hadith: "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ instructed to place the hands on the chest."
(Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Khuzaymah)
✔ Avoid lowering hands below the chest:
After initially folding the hands on the chest, moving them down below the navel is against the Sunnah and should be refrained from.
❖ Advisory Note
Salah should be performed with utmost focus, care, and in accordance with the prophetic Sunnah. Acts such as Raf‘ al-Yadayn and folding the hands must be carried out precisely as demonstrated by the Prophet ﷺ, ensuring complete adherence and avoiding any form of laziness or negligence.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
