Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta has explained that raising the hands while making dua and wiping the face with them afterward is considered permissible and recommended according to its stated position, based on relevant religious texts and established practice in recognized schools of Islamic jurisprudence.
Raising the hands is also widely associated with humility, dependence on Allah, and turning to Him while asking for His mercy and favor.
What Is the Ruling on Raising the Hands During Dua?
Raising the hands during supplication is considered a recommended act in Islam, and several Prophetic narrations have been cited regarding the practice.
Among the narrations cited is one attributed to Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, in which the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“When you ask Allah, supplicate with the palms of your hands, not their backs; and when you finish, wipe your face with them.”
The narration is reported from Ibn Abbas and recorded by Ibn Majah.
What Is the Ruling on Wiping the Face After Dua?
According to the position explained by Dar Al-Ifta, wiping the face with the hands after completing dua is permissible and recommended, with supporting narrations cited in this regard.
There is, however, a recognized difference among scholars concerning the strength and authenticity of some reports dealing with this specific practice.
Accordingly, a person who wipes the face after making dua should not be criticized for doing so, and the issue should not become a source of unnecessary dispute among Muslims.
Does Raising the Hands Help With the Acceptance of Dua?
Prophetic narrations indicate the virtue of raising the hands while supplicating. One reported saying states:
“Your Lord is Shy and Generous; He is shy that when His servant raises his hands to Him, He returns them empty.”
The narration highlights the virtue of turning to Allah with raised hands and expressing one's need and dependence upon Him.
Does Raising the Hands Guarantee an Answered Dua?
Raising the hands is one of the means associated with seeking the acceptance of dua, but it does not mean that a supplication must be answered in exactly the manner or at exactly the time a person expects.
The acceptance of dua is connected to other religious considerations as well, including sincere worship and seeking lawful sources of food, drink, clothing, and income.
How Does Unlawful Consumption Affect Dua?
Islamic teachings emphasize consuming what is lawful and good. Allah says:
“O messengers, eat from the good things and act righteously.” [Quran 23:51]
He also says:
“O believers, eat from the good things We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah.” [Quran 2:172]
In Sahih Muslim, the Prophet described a traveler who raises his hands toward the sky while calling upon his Lord, but whose food, drink, clothing, and nourishment are unlawful. The Prophet then asked how such a person's supplication could be answered.
This narration demonstrates that while raising the hands is among the means of supplication, unlawful consumption can represent a serious obstacle to its acceptance.
Should the Hands Be Raised During Every Dua?
Raising the hands is generally established as an act of supplication, but not every situation in which the Prophet made dua is reported with raised hands.
Therefore, Muslims should follow the Prophetic practice according to the circumstances in which raising the hands has been established.
The etiquette of dua also extends beyond the physical position of the hands. It includes sincerity, humility, presence of heart, trust in Allah, and avoiding unlawful earnings and consumption.
Important Etiquette of Dua
Among the key manners of supplication are:
- Sincerity toward Allah.
- Humility and attentiveness.
- Having good expectations of Allah.
- Seeking lawful food, drink, clothing, and income.
- Avoiding excessive or improper requests.
- Taking advantage of times and circumstances in which dua is especially encouraged.
- Raising the hands in situations where this practice is established from the Prophet.
Key Takeaway
Dar Al-Ifta’s stated position is that raising the hands during dua and wiping the face with them afterward is permissible and recommended based on cited religious texts and established jurisprudential practice.
Raising the hands is also among the means of seeking the acceptance of supplication. However, Muslims are encouraged to avoid unlawful consumption and follow the Prophetic guidance concerning when raising the hands is specifically established.
Is raising the hands during dua a Sunnah?
Yes, raising the hands is a recommended practice in supplication in circumstances where it is established by religious evidence.
Can a person wipe the face after dua?
According to the position explained by Dar Al-Ifta, wiping the face with the hands after dua is permissible and recommended.
Does raising the hands guarantee an answered dua?
No. It is one of the means of seeking acceptance, while other factors and religious considerations also apply.
Should the hands be raised during every supplication?
No. Raising the hands is not reported in every situation in which the Prophet made dua, so the established Prophetic practice should be followed.
Can unlawful food affect the acceptance of dua?
Yes. Prophetic teachings indicate that unlawful consumption can be an obstacle to the acceptance of supplication.
