The Practice of Raising Hands During Friday Sermons: An Islamic Discussion

During Friday sermons (khutbah), observers may notice that some prayer leaders, or khatibs, do not raise both hands when making supplications. Instead, they might raise one hand or simply point their index finger towards the sky.

Syekh Muhammad Shiddiq Al Minsyawi, in his book 'Rajin Shalat tapi Masih Keliru' (Diligent in Prayer but Still Mistaken), cites a hadith concerning the Prophet Muhammad's practice. According to the narration from Hushain via 'Umaarah bin Ruaibah, 'Umaarah witnessed Bisyr bin Marwan raising both hands while praying on the pulpit. 'Umaarah reportedly remarked, "May Allah disfigure these hands. I have seen the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) not add anything more than this" – gesturing with his index finger.

Another روایت (riwayat) states, "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) did not add more than this, and he gestured with his index finger." This practice is further elaborated by Imam Nawawi, who stated that adhering to the Prophet's way involves not raising the hands during the khutbah. This view is shared by scholars like Imam Malik and others from the Shafi'i school of thought.

However, some early Muslims and scholars within the Maliki school permit raising hands during Friday khutbahs. They justify this by referencing instances where the Prophet Muhammad raised his hands, particularly during istisqo' (prayer for rain). Critics of this practice argue that the Prophet's hand-raising in those specific instances was due to a particular cause, namely the need for rain, and thus not a general practice for all prayers during the khutbah.