Hadith on Raising Hands in Salah
It is narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari (739) from Nafi' (رحمه الله) that:
Abdullah bin Umar (رضي الله عنه), when entering the prayer (i.e., beginning the Salah), would say Allahu Akbar and raise his hands.
When he would go into Ruku' (bowing), he would raise his hands.
When he would say Sami' Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears the one who praises Him), he would raise his hands.
When he would stand up after two Rak'ahs (after Tashahhud), he would raise his hands.
Ibn Umar (رضي الله عنه) narrated this as a Marfu' Hadith from the Prophet (ﷺ)
In Sahih Muslim (391), it is narrated from Malik bin Huwairith (رضي الله عنه):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to raise his hands up to the level of his ears when saying Takbir (Allahu Akbar).
Key Takeaways:
➊ Raf' al-Yadain (raising the hands) is explicitly mentioned in these Ahadith.
➋ Instances when hands should be raised:
- During Takbir-e-Tahrima (when beginning the prayer).
- Before going into Ruku' (bowing).
- After rising from Ruku' while saying "Sami' Allahu liman hamidah."
- When standing up after two Rak'ahs (from Tashahhud in a multi-unit prayer).
- To the level of the shoulders.
- To the level of the ears.
(Both are correct as per different narrations.)
Additional Narration from Sahih Muslim (401):
It is narrated from Wa'il bin Hujr (رضي الله عنه):
After raising his hands, the Prophet (ﷺ) wrapped himself in his garment and placed his right hand over his left hand.
When he performed Sujood (prostration), he placed his hands on the ground and prostrated between them
Further Key Takeaways:
➊ If a person is wearing a shawl or cloak during Salah, they should take their hands out for Raf' al-Yadain and then fold them back inside.
➋ While standing in prayer, one should place their right hand over their left hand.
➌ During Sujood, both palms should be placed firmly on the ground, with the forehead and nose between them.
➍ A person is allowed to cover themselves with a shawl or blanket in prayer when necessary, and this does not affect the validity of the Salah.
Source:
This content is taken from Sheikh Taqi al-Din Abu al-Fath’s book "Diya Al-Islam Fi Sharh Al-Imam Bi Ahadith Al-Ahkam," translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar Sahib.
