Whenever Ibn `Umar started the prayer with Takbir, he used to raise his hands: whenever he bowed, he used to raise his hands (before bowing) and also used to raise his hands on saying, "Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah", and he used to do the same on rising from the second rak`a (for the 3rd rak`a). Ibn `Umar said: "The Prophet (ﷺ) used to do the same."
The Practice of Raf' al-Yadayn (Raising the Hands)
This narration from Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) establishes the Sunnah practice of raising the hands at four specific points during the prayer: at the opening takbir (takbirat al-ihram), before bowing into ruku', upon rising from ruku' while saying "Sami'a Allahu liman hamidah", and when standing up for the third rak'ah after the tashahhud.
Scholarly Commentary
The Hanbali and Shafi'i schools affirm this practice as established Sunnah based on multiple authentic narrations. The hands should be raised to the level of the shoulders with fingers extended and palms facing the qiblah.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments in Fath al-Bari that this hadith demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Ibn Umar's transmission of the Prophet's prayer, as he meticulously followed every detail he observed.
Al-Nawawi states in Sharh Sahih Muslim that raising the hands is a emphasized Sunnah (sunnah mu'akkadah) that should not be neglected without valid excuse, as it beautifies the prayer and follows the Prophet's consistent practice.
Legal Ruling and Significance
While the majority of scholars consider raf' al-yadayn obligatory at the opening takbir and recommended at other points, the consistent practice of the Prophet (ﷺ) as transmitted by Ibn Umar makes it a complete Sunnah that perfects one's prayer.
This teaching emphasizes the importance of following the Prophet's example in even the smallest details of worship, as these external actions reflect internal devotion and submission to Allah's commandments.