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Which is more correct regarding the positions for raising the hands in prayer: four positions (the opening takbir, bowing, rising from bowing, and after standing from the second rak'ah) as mentioned in some fatwas, or raising them when descending for prostration and rising from it, and at the second prostration and rising from it, as mentioned in Al-Albani's Description of the Prayer?

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The instances in which it is prescribed to raise the hands during prayer are four: upon uttering the opening takbir (Allahu Akbar), when bowing (ruku'), when rising from bowing, and when standing up from the first tashahhud. As for other instances, it has not been authentically reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to raise his hands, neither when prostrating (sujud) nor when rising from prostration. Indeed, Ibn al-Qayyim verified that what was narrated about the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, "that he would raise his hands in every lowering and raising" was a delusion on the part of the narrator, who intended to say: "He used to utter the takbir in every lowering and raising."

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

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