Is raising the hands (*raf' al-yadain*) obligatory during the takbir (*Allahu Akbar*) upon prostration outside of formal prayer?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
Raising the hands during the *takbir* upon prostration is mandated outside of formal prayer. This is the position held by Al-Shafi'i, based on the reasoning that it functions as the opening *takbir* (takbirat al-iftitah). Furthermore, even if the prostration occurs within formal prayer, Ahmad stated that raising the hands is recommended because it is recommended for an individual performing the action alone, thus it should also be recommended when performed alongside others.
Supporting text
The view of the Qadi suggests that based on the established principles of the Madhhab, the hands should not be raised, as the established places for raising the hands are three, and this instance is not among them. Support for this view is found in the hadith of Ibn Umar, which states that the Prophet, peace be upon him, did not perform this action during prostration. This hadith is unanimously agreed upon.