The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together)

Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1059

Hadith Text

When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) started to pray, he raised his hands until they were in level with his shoulders, and when he said the takbir before bowing, and when he raised his head from bowing he raised (his hands) likewise, and said: "Sami Allahu liman hamidah Rabbana wa lakal-hamd (Allah hears the one who praises Him; Our Lord, and to You be praise)," and he did not do that when prostrating.

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes three specific positions in the prayer where raising the hands is prescribed: at the opening takbir, before bowing into ruku', and when rising from ruku'. The hands should be raised to shoulder level, with palms facing the qiblah.

The wisdom behind raising hands at these junctures includes: marking transitions between prayer positions, demonstrating submission to Allah, and following the precise Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ). The absence of hand-raising during prostration indicates the specificity of this practice to particular movements.

The accompanying dhikr "Sami Allahu liman hamidah" confirms Allah's acceptance of praise, while "Rabbana wa lakal-hamd" expresses the servant's gratitude. This combination exemplifies the beautiful dialogue between the Creator and creation during prayer.

Legal Rulings

This practice is considered sunnah mu'akkadah (emphasized Sunnah) by the majority of scholars. Omitting it intentionally without valid reason is disliked but does not invalidate the prayer.

The four schools differ slightly in implementation: Hanafis raise hands only at opening takbir; Malikis add raising when standing from tashahhud; while Shafi'is and Hanbalis follow the three positions mentioned in this hadith.