Hadith Text & Reference

"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to raise his hands when he started to pray, and when he bowed, and when he stood up, but he did not do that when he prostrated."

Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1088 | The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together)

Meaning & Significance

This hadith establishes the precise moments during the prayer (salah) when raising the hands is legislated. The Prophet (ﷺ) raised his hands at three specific points: at the opening Takbir (Takbiratul Ihram), when going into Ruku' (bowing), and when rising from Ruku' to stand. Crucially, he did not raise them when going into or rising from Sujud (prostration).

This action signifies transitions between the pillars of prayer, marking a shift in one's state before Allah. It is an act of submission and magnification of Allah, accompanying the verbal Takbir ("Allahu Akbar").

Scholarly Commentary

The majority of scholars, including the Shafi'i, Hanbali, and Hanafi schools, hold that raising the hands at these three points is a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah Mu'akkadah). Its performance is highly recommended, and omitting it without a valid reason is considered blameworthy, though it does not invalidate the prayer.

The hands are raised to the level of the shoulders, with the palms facing the Qiblah. The act is a physical manifestation of casting aside worldly affairs and turning wholly to Allah, magnifying Him at each major transition in the prayer.

The explicit exclusion of raising hands during prostration prevents innovation (bid'ah) and ensures the prayer is performed exactly as the Prophet (ﷺ) taught, preserving the sanctity and specific form of the worship.