Raising the Hands Salah

12 months ago
2 minutes

Our imams and scholars differ regarding the ḥukm of raising the hands at the beginning of the prayer. Those who hold to the view that the hands are not raised use various proofs to support their view:

  1. Not Wajib:
    • None of the proponents of raising the hands say it is wajib.
    • The Prophet ﷺ said: “Pray the way you see me pray.”
    • Everything the Prophet ﷺ visibly did in prayer is compulsory.
    • Since raising the hands is not considered wajib, there is insufficient proof that he did it consistently.
  2. Hadith Against Raising Hands:
    • The Prophet ﷺ said: “Why are you raising your hands like the tails of intense horses? Be settled in your prayers.”
    • Reported when he saw companions raising their hands.
    • This statement is general and absolute, prohibiting raising hands in any part of the prayer.
  3. Description of Prayer Without Raising Hands:
    • In the hadith of Abu Hurayra (recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim), the Prophet ﷺ described how to pray.
    • He mentioned takbīr, recitation, rukūʿ, sujūd, and sitting, but no raising of hands.
    • The omission proves that raising hands was not part of the prayer.
  4. Weak or Abrogated Reports:
    • Reports mentioning that the Prophet ﷺ raised his hands are weak or abrogated.
    • Scholars of ḥadīth highlighted contradictions and inconsistencies, showing they are insufficient as proof.

Conclusion:
According to this position, raising the hands at the beginning or within the prayer is not established as part of the Sunnah practice.

And Allah knows best!