Referenced from: Fatawa ‘Ulama-e-Hadith, Kitab al-Salah, Vol. 1❖ Question
Can you provide a verbal (qawli) hadith to prove the practice of Raf‘ al-Yadayn (raising the hands in prayer)?❖ Answer
The practice of Raf‘ al-Yadayn is established from the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, whether through his words (qawl), actions (fi‘l), or approvals (taqrir). In Islamic jurisprudence, both the sayings and actions of the Prophet ﷺ are valid sources of legislation.❖ Qur'anic Evidences
➤ “And follow him so that you may be guided.”(Surah al-A‘raf: 158)
➤ “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah ﷺ you have an excellent example.”
(Surah al-Ahzab: 21)
❖ Importance of Practical Sunnah
Even in Hanafi jurisprudence and other schools of thought, practical Hadiths (fi‘li or ‘amali) are accepted as proof. Numerous authentic Hadiths mention the Prophet ﷺ performing Raf‘ al-Yadayn during Salah—when starting prayer, and when going into and rising from ruku‘.For example, this practice is confirmed in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim through the narrations of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar and Malik ibn Huwairith رضي الله عنهما.
❖ Regarding the Demand for a Verbal Hadith
Insisting solely on a verbal (qawli) Hadith while rejecting practical Hadiths is not correct, as both are binding. For example, in the Hanafi madhhab, Raf‘ al-Yadayn in the third rak‘ah of Witr is practiced, despite the absence of a verbal Hadith.Thus, demanding only a verbal Hadith for Raf‘ al-Yadayn and rejecting established practical reports is unjustified.
❖ Summary
The practice of Raf‘ al-Yadayn is authentically established through the actions of the Prophet ﷺ, and insisting on a verbal Hadith alone is unnecessary, as the actions of the Prophet ﷺ also serve as authoritative evidence.Wallahu A‘lam — And Allah knows best.
