He saw the Prophet (ﷺ) raise his hands when praying, when he bowed, when he raised his head from bowing, when he prostrated and when he raised his head from prostrating, until they were in level with the top part of his ears.
The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together)
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1085
Textual Analysis
This narration describes the Prophet's practice of raising his hands during five specific positions in prayer: at the opening takbir, when bowing (ruku'), when rising from bowing, when prostrating (sujood), and when rising from prostration.
The hands are raised until they reach the level of the top part of the ears, indicating a moderate elevation rather than an exaggerated motion.
Juridical Significance
This hadith establishes the sunnah of raf' al-yadayn (raising the hands) as an integral part of the prayer ritual. The consensus among the majority of scholars, including the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools, affirms this practice at all five positions mentioned.
The Maliki school differs regarding raising hands when rising from bowing and prostration, while the Hanafi school limits it to the opening takbir only.
Spiritual Dimensions
The raising of hands symbolizes the servant's humility before Allah, as if beseeching Him with every transition in prayer. It represents the constant connection between the worshipper and the Divine throughout the prayer's various postures.
Each hand-raising marks a transition between prayer positions, serving as a physical manifestation of moving from one state of worship to another while maintaining continuous devotion.
Practical Implementation
The hands should be raised with palms facing the qiblah, fingers naturally extended (not spread wide nor clenched), and elevated to approximately the level of the shoulders or top of the ears.
This action should be performed smoothly without haste, accompanying the takbir utterances, and maintaining the dignity and composure required in prayer.