Question:
Rafʿ al-Yadayn and the Idol Hypothesis – How to Refute This Claim?
Source: Aḥkām wa Masā’il, Ṣalāh Section, Vol. 1, p.179
Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd!
◈ The False Claim
Some people allege:
“Rafʿ al-Yadayn (raising the hands in prayer) was practiced because hypocrites used to hide idols under their armpits, and raising the hands exposed them.”
◈ Refutation of the Claim
① This statement is not found in the Qur’ān.
② It is not reported in any authentic ḥadīth.
③ It is a fabricated and baseless story with no foundation in Islam.
◈ Practical Contradiction in Their Own Practice
Those who make this claim themselves perform Rafʿ al-Yadayn at:
- The opening takbīr (takbīrat al-iḥrām),
- During the qunūt of Witr,
If Rafʿ al-Yadayn was only to reveal idols under the arms, then why do they also practice it in these places where no such issue exists?
This clearly shows their reasoning is invalid and self-contradictory.
◈ The Correct Understanding
- The reality is: Rafʿ al-Yadayn is a Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
- Its basis is found in authentic aḥādīth reported in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim.
- Our duty is to follow the Sunnah, not fabricated tales or baseless assumptions.
Conclusion
The claim that Rafʿ al-Yadayn was connected to hypocrites carrying idols is false, baseless, and contradictory.
The only reason we practice it is because the Prophet ﷺ did so and commanded it.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
