Question:
Is it true that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged Raf’ al-Yadayn (raising the hands) in prayer because people would bring idols under their arms?
Answer:
This claim has no basis whatsoever in any authentic, or even weak, narration. It is a fabricated idea with no evidence to support it. Practicing Raf’ al-Yadayn during prayer is a blessed Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, supported by mutawatir (widely transmitted) Hadiths. Some people have invented excuses to abandon this significant Sunnah, and this claim is one of those baseless justifications.
