When the Prophet (ﷺ) stood up following two prostrations, he would say the takbir and raise his hands until they were level with his shoulders, as he had done at the beginning of the prayer.
The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer)
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 1181
Textual Analysis
This narration establishes that the Prophet (ﷺ) would perform the takbir and raise his hands when rising from the sitting position after the two prostrations, just as he did at the opening takbir of the prayer.
Juridical Ruling
The majority of scholars, including Imam ash-Shafi'i and Imam Ahmad, hold that raising hands at this point is a confirmed Sunnah. This act marks the transition from one pillar of prayer to another, maintaining the prayer's proper form and sequence.
Spiritual Significance
The repetition of hand-raising at various points in prayer symbolizes the worshipper's continuous submission to Allah, renewing their intention and focus with each movement, as if beginning the prayer anew with each transition.
Practical Implementation
The hands should be raised to shoulder level with palms facing the qiblah, fingers naturally extended, while simultaneously saying "Allahu Akbar." This synchronized action maintains the prayer's rhythm and preserves the Prophetic example in both word and deed.