Is Imam Malik's statement that raising the hands in prayer, except for the opening takbir, is not from the Sunnah but rather a branch [of the religion], correct, especially given that the practice of the people of Madinah has settled on not raising the hands, and this is stronger than any [other] evidence?

The Sunnah extensively details the raising of hands in prayer: at the beginning (takbirat al-ihram), when bowing and rising from it, and when standing up from the two rak'ahs. This is not done during prostration. Approximately thirty Companions, including the ten promised Paradise, narrated this from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Nothing contrary to this has been established from him; rather, it was his constant practice.

As for what has been attributed to Imam Malik regarding not raising hands except during takbirat al-ihram, it is reported that he said: "I do not know of raising hands in any of the takbirs of prayer, neither when lowering nor when rising; except at the opening of the prayer." This is a denial of his knowledge, not a denial of the original principle. There is another narration from Malik that affirms the Sunnah of raising hands in the positions where the hadiths mention it.

Regarding the argument based on the practice of the people of Madinah, it is only a proof during the time of the Companions. After them, it does not differ from the practice of others, according to the verifiers among Malik's followers. The correct view is that the Sunnah governs, and the authentic hadiths have indicated the Sunnah of raising hands in the aforementioned positions, so one must submit to them.