The Prophet (ﷺ) used to raise his hands when he began to pray, when he wanted to bow, when he raised his head from bowing, and when he stood up after the first two rak'ahs, he would raise his hands likewise, level with his shoulders.
The Book of Forgetfulness (In Prayer) - Sunan an-Nasa'i 1182
This narration from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) establishes the proper occasions for raising hands during the ritual prayer (salah). The raising of hands is a sunnah act performed at four specific points: at the opening takbir (Allahu Akbar), before bowing (ruku'), upon rising from bowing, and when standing for the third rak'ah after the tashahhud.
Scholarly Commentary
The raising of hands to shoulder level demonstrates the physical manifestation of transitioning between prayer positions and serves as a marker of reverence. Classical scholars like Imam al-Nawawi explain this action symbolizes casting away worldly matters and fully turning toward Allah.
The specification of shoulder level indicates moderation in this gesture - neither excessively high nor negligently low. This practice unifies the Muslim community in prayer form while maintaining the Prophetic tradition.
This hadith particularly clarifies the fourth instance of hand-raising (after the first tashahhud), which some companions initially forgot but was confirmed by the Prophet's consistent practice.
Legal Ruling
The majority of scholars consider raising hands at these four points as a confirmed sunnah (sunnah mu'akkadah). While omitting it doesn't invalidate prayer, consistently performing it earns greater reward and maintains complete adherence to the Prophetic example.