❖ The Manner of Raising Hands in Du‘ā’ and the Ruling on Wiping the Face
(A Detailed Explanation in Light of Ahadith and Athār)
Source: Fatāwā Arkān-e-Islām
◈ Introduction
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā baʿd!
Raising the hands during duʿā’ is established from the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. The manner and height to which hands are raised during duʿā’ is supported by various authentic narrations. Below is a detailed account of these practices.
① Manner of Raising Hands in Du‘ā’
❖ Hands Raised High During Du‘ā’ for Rain (Ṣalāt al-Istisqā’)
Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik رضي الله عنه:
“The Prophet ﷺ raised his hands so high during the duʿā’ for rain that I could see the whiteness of his armpits.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 1029)
This shows that in intense and urgent duʿā’, such as during Ṣalāt al-Istisqā’, hands were raised considerably high.❖ Hands Raised Up to the Face Level
Narrated by ʿUmar Mawlā Abī al-Laḥm:
“I saw the Prophet ﷺ standing and making duʿā’ during Ṣalāt al-Istisqā’, with his hands raised in front of his face, not extending beyond his head.”
(Sunan Abī Dāwūd: 1168)
This indicates that in regular duʿā’, the Prophet ﷺ raised his hands to the level of the face, without exceeding the height of his head.② Deductions from These Narrations
❖ The two types of narrations show:
➤ In some cases, the Prophet ﷺ raised his hands so high that even his armpits became visible.
➤ In other instances, the hands were raised only up to the level of the face, not beyond.
❖ These narrations affirm that:
➤ Raising the hands in duʿā’ is a recommended (mustaḥabb) practice.
➤ It is a sign of humility, submission, and need before Allah ﷻ.
③ Ruling on Wiping the Face After Duʿā’
❖ No Authentic Ḥadīth from the Prophet ﷺ
✔ There is no Ṣaḥīḥ (authentic) ḥadīth from the Prophet ﷺ that confirms wiping the face with the hands after duʿā’.
❖ Practice of Some Companions
Narrated in Al-Adab al-Mufrad:
“ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar and ʿAbdullāh ibn al-Zubayr رضي الله عنهم used to turn their palms toward their faces after duʿā’.”
(Al-Adab al-Mufrad: 609)
This suggests that while not part of the prophetic Sunnah, some Companions practiced turning or wiping the hands toward the face after making duʿā’.✔ Conclusion
➊ Raising the hands in duʿā’ is Sunnah, and its varying postures are authentically reported.
➋ Raising the hands to face level or slightly higher is valid and recommended.
➌ Wiping the face after duʿā’ is not proven by any ṣaḥīḥ ḥadīth from the Prophet ﷺ. However, it is reported from some Companions, indicating it as an optional and non-binding practice.
وَبِاللّٰهِ التَّوْفِيق
