Hadith of Abdullah bin Umar (رضي الله عنه):
Salim bin Abdullah bin Umar (رضي الله عنه) narrated from his father:
"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to raise his hands up to his shoulders when he began the prayer, when he said 'Allahu Akbar' for bowing (Ruku’), and when he raised his head from Ruku’, he would also raise his hands and say, 'Sami' Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana wa lakal-hamd.' However, he did not raise his hands during Sujood (prostration).”
(Reported by Imam Al-Bukhari: 735, 736, 738, 739 & Sahih Muslim: 390)
Other Supporting Narrations:
➤ Narration from Shu'ayb:
"I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) begin his Takbir in Salah, and he would raise his hands when saying 'Allahu Akbar' until they were at the level of his shoulders."
(Sahih Al-Bukhari: 738)
➤ Narration from Ibn Juraij:
"When he (ﷺ) stood for prayer, he would raise his hands until they were at the level of his shoulders, then he would say 'Allahu Akbar'."
(Sahih Muslim: 390)
➤ Narration from Yunus:
"He would raise his hands up to his shoulders, then he would say 'Allahu Akbar'."
(Sahih Al-Bukhari: 736)
Key Points & Rulings:
① Saying Takbir al-Ula (the first Takbir) in Salah is obligatory (Fard). Raising the hands during it is agreed upon by all scholars.
② The hands can be raised in different manners:
- Hands are raised first, followed by saying "Allahu Akbar".
- Saying "Allahu Akbar" while raising the hands.
- Saying "Allahu Akbar" first, then raising the hands.
All these methods are correct and established.
③ Raf' al-Yadayn is a Sunnah, but the difference of opinion is whether it is preferable to do or leave it. Numerous hadiths confirm that the Prophet (ﷺ) never prayed without performing Raf' al-Yadayn.
④ Ahl-e-Hadith consider it Sunnah and preferable. There is no excessive Raf' al-Yadayn in Salah except in these places: - At the beginning of prayer (Takbir al-Ihram).
- Before going into Ruku' (bowing).
- When rising from Ruku'.
- When standing up for the third Rak'ah.
- It is not established to raise hands when going into Sujood, sitting between Sajdahs, or at the time of Tasleem.
⑤ There are narrations stating that the hands were raised either up to the shoulders or up to the earlobes. Both are authentic, and the best way to reconcile them is to keep the hands between the shoulders and earlobes. However, touching the earlobes with the thumbs is not correct.
This content is taken from "Dhiya al-Islam fi Sharh al-Imam bi Ahadith al-Ahkam" by Sheikh Taqi al-Din Abi al-Fath, translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar.