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Is it permissible to raise one's hands when supplicating for the deceased, whether before their death or after it, and even after their burial, and what is the extent of raising them that was guided by the Prophet, may Allah's prayers and peace be upon him?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Supplicating for the deceased is a prescribed act for which a Muslim is rewarded, whether it is before or after burial. It has been authentically reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, that he commanded supplication for the deceased after the burial is complete, as stated in the Hadith: "Seek forgiveness for your brother and ask for steadfastness for him, for indeed he is now being questioned." Some jurists recommended supplicating for the deceased when he is placed in his grave. It has not been authentically reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, raised his hands in supplication for the deceased after or before his burial. However, it has been authentically reported that raising the hands in supplication in general is commanded: "Indeed, your Lord, blessed and exalted is He, is Modest and Generous; He is shy to turn away empty the hands of His servant when he raises them to Him." The recommendation of raising hands in supplication outside of prayer is confirmed by multiple pieces of evidence.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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