Raf' al-Yadayn (Raising the Hands)
The practice of raising the hands to the shoulders or ears at specific points in the prayer.
Raf' al-Yadayn refers to the practice of raising the hands to the shoulders or ears at specific points in the prayer, particularly at the opening takbir, before ruku, after ruku, and after rising from the second rak'ah. This is one of the most discussed topics in Sunni prayer jurisprudence.
The Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools practice raf' al-yadayn at all four points, based on hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim where Abdullah ibn Umar describes that the Prophet (peace be upon him) raised his hands at the takbir, before ruku, and after ruku. The Hanafi school practices raf' al-yadayn only at the opening takbir.
Imam al-Bukhari wrote a separate work, "Juz' Raf' al-Yadayn," dedicated to this topic, in which he collected all relevant narrations. Hanafi scholars support their position with narrations from Abdullah ibn Mas'ud and other companions. Both positions are accepted in Sunni Islam, and neither invalidates the prayer.
Related terms
Sahih Muslim (Muslim's Authentic Collection)
The second most authoritative hadith collection in Sunni Islam, compiled by Imam Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj.
Du'a Jawshan al-Kabir (The Great Armor)
A long supplication with 1000 of Allah's names and attributes, recited during Ramadan nights.
Fard (Obligatory)
The obligatory acts in Islam, including the five daily prayers.
Laylat al-Mi'raj (The Night of Ascension)
The night when Prophet Muhammad journeyed to the heavens and received the gift of prayer.
Zakat (Alms)
The obligatory alms that the Quran mentions alongside prayer.
Du'a Arafah (Imam Husayn's Supplication at Arafah)
Imam Husayn's famous supplication, recited on the Day of Arafah, the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah.