Hadith Text

I saw Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) opening the prayer with the Takbir and raising his hands to the level of his shoulders at the time of saying the Takbir, and on saying the Takbir for bowing he did the same; and when he said, "Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah ", he did the same and then said, "Rabbana wa laka lhamd." But he did not do the same on prostrating and on lifting the head from it.

Hadith Reference

Sahih al-Bukhari 738

Commentary on the Takbir and Hand-Raising

This hadith from Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) establishes the sunnah method of raising hands during prayer. The Prophet (ﷺ) raised his hands to shoulder level at three specific points: opening prayer (takbirat al-ihram), before bowing (ruku'), and when rising from bowing while saying "Sami'a Allahu liman hamidah."

Scholars note that raising hands to the shoulders - with palms facing the qibla - demonstrates submission and magnification of Allah. This action accompanies the takbir, which means "Allah is Greatest," reinforcing the concept of Allah's supreme majesty.

Significance of the Three Occasions

The hand-raising at prayer commencement signifies transitioning from worldly matters to divine communion. Before ruku', it marks moving to a new posture of worship. When rising from ruku', it accompanies the affirmation that "Allah hears those who praise Him," acknowledging divine response to worship.

The exclusion of hand-raising during prostration and rising from it indicates that not every movement in prayer requires this action, teaching us precision in following the Prophetic example.

Legal Ruling and Scholarly Consensus

The majority of scholars consider raising hands at these three points as sunnah mu'akkadah (emphasized tradition). Some Hanafi scholars consider it wajib (obligatory) at prayer commencement only. The precise description prevents innovation and ensures uniformity in worship practice across the Muslim community.