What is the ruling on women raising their hands during the opening *Takbir*?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
There are two narrated opinions from Ahmad regarding women raising their hands. One opinion states that they should raise their hands, based on narrations concerning Umm al-Darda and Hafsah bint Sirin, and the position of Tawus, because whoever is mandated to perform the *Takbir* is mandated to perform the raising, though the extent of the raise should be slightly less than that of men.
Supporting text
The second opinion states that raising the hands is not legislated for women because it resembles *tajafi* (spreading out, which women are generally commanded to avoid in bowing and prostration by drawing themselves in).