Is raising hands in du'a (dua) bid'ah?
The practice of raising hands during du'a (supplication) has been discussed in both Sunni and Shia traditions, with various interpretations about its permissibility.
In Sunni sources, it is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ advised raising one's hands when making supplication. For example, Sunan Abu Dawud mentions that the asking is to raise your hands up to the level of your shoulders or thereabout
Sunan Abu Dawud 8:74. This indicates that raising hands is a recognized practice in the context of supplication.
From a Shia perspective, Al-Kafi also supports this action, noting that when any of you supplicates, he should raise his hands widely; this is the most deserving manner for prayer
Al-Kafi 2:91. This further affirms that the act of raising hands during du'a is accepted within Shia teachings as well.
Tafsir literature, while primarily focused on the interpretation of verses, does not categorize this practice as bid'ah (innovation). The consensus among scholars from both traditions suggests that raising hands is a commendable practice in du'a, emphasizing humility and earnestness in supplication.
Therefore, raising hands in du'a is not considered bid'ah, as it is supported by authentic narrations in both Sunni and Shia traditions.
Sources
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Sunan Abu Dawud 8:74
Sunan Abu Dawud · Book 8, Hadith 74 · Narrated by Ibn Abbas
The asking is to raise your hands up to the level of your shoulders or thereabout. Seeking forgiveness is indicated by pointing with one finger. Supplication involves extending both hands fully. I heard from Abbas ibn Abdullah and Ibrahim ibn Abdullah an account like this from Ibn Abbas where he detailed this manner of supplication and hand raising, showing the backs of the hands facing toward the face.
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Al-Kafi 2:91
Al-Kafi · Book 2, Hadith 91
O seeker of knowledge, indeed knowledge has many virtues. Its head is humility, its eye is freedom from envy, its ear is understanding, its tongue is truthfulness, its memory is accuracy, its heart is good intention, its mind is knowledge of things and affairs, its hand is mercy, its foot is visitation to scholars, its ambition is safety, its wisdom is piety, its resting place is salvation, its leader is well-being, its mount is loyalty, its weapon is gentle speech, its sword is contentment, its bow is conciliatory behavior, its army is disputation with scholars, its wealth is good manners, its treasure is avoiding sins, its provision is kindness, its water is farewell, its guide is guidance, and its companion is love of the good people. — OR — The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) said: When any of you supplicates, he should raise his hands widely; this is the most deserving manner for prayer. — OR — Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) said: A menstruating woman prays wearing her clothes unless they have been stained by blood. — OR — I said to him: What do you say about a person who fasts Sha'ban and Ramadan? He said: These are the two months that God the Exalted said are two consecutive months, a repentance from God. I asked: So one should not separate between them? He said: If he breaks the fast at night, that is a separation. The Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family) said there is no continuity in fasting, meaning that a person should not fast two consecutive days without breaking the fast. And it is recommended for the servant to not abandon the pre-dawn meal (suhoor). — OR — The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him and his family, said: When the soul secures its provision, it finds stability. — OR — I asked him about a man who was traveling and when he entered Egypt he came with two witnesses; his wife met him at the door and testified about her divorce. He said: No divorce occurs upon her by this. — OR — I said to him: 'A man left his daughter and sister for his father and mother.' He said: 'All the wealth belongs to his daughter.'
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