The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to raise his hands until they were in level with his shoulders when he started to pray, and when he raised his head from bowing he did likewise, and when he said: Sami' Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears the one who praises Him)" he said: "Rabbana wa lakal-hamd (Our Lord, to You be praise)" and he did not raise his hands between the two prostrations.
The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together) - Sunan an-Nasa'i 1057
This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i describes the precise manner in which the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) performed the opening takbir and subsequent movements during prayer, establishing the sunnah for raising hands in salah.
Commentary on Hand Raising in Prayer
The raising of hands to shoulder level at the commencement of prayer signifies the transition from worldly matters to divine communion, marking the boundary between the mundane and the sacred. This action symbolizes casting aside worldly concerns and directing one's full attention toward Allah.
When raising the head from bowing (ruku'), the Prophet repeated this hand-raising gesture, demonstrating that each major transition in prayer requires this physical manifestation of humility and submission. The simultaneous recitation of "Sami' Allahu liman hamidah" acknowledges Allah's acceptance of praise while the hands are raised in supplication.
Significance of Not Raising Hands Between Prostrations
The explicit mention that the Prophet did not raise his hands between the two prostrations (between sajdahs) establishes a crucial distinction in prayer movements. This teaches us that not every transition requires hand-raising, preserving the unique significance of the takbiratul ihram and rising from ruku'.
This careful preservation of specific gestures prevents innovation in worship and maintains the prophetic method in its pristine form. The consistency in hand-raising points demonstrates the precision required in following the sunnah, where every action has its proper place and timing.