Question:
You explained based on hadith how to raise hands.
What about making du’a after the Adhan, when leaving the bathroom, before and after eating, when sleeping and waking up, seeking protection from Satan, and in many other places? Should we raise our hands for du’a in these situations?
Answer:
There are two types of du’as. One type is where we raise our hands to ask Allahﷻ for our needs, praising Him and sending blessings first. For these, you can raise your hands. You can also make du’a while sitting or in prostration (sajdah) if you are praying.
For du’as outside prayer, you can raise your hands. The other type are specific phrases recited on specific occasions, which are essentially dhikr (remembrance of Allahﷻ) without any request. For example, when entering the bathroom, you seek protection from Satan. The Prophetﷺ did not raise his hands for that.
When eating, you say “Bismillah” – you don’t raise your hands. These are dhikr to be recited on specific occasions – when mounting an animal, when descending, when entering or leaving the mosque, when walking, when sleeping, when waking up.
There are numerous such supplications that are essentially dhikr. There is no evidence that the Prophetﷺ raised his hands for these, saying praises and blessings first. So, we should not do that for such dhikr.
- General du’a (asking Allah)
→ Raising hands is allowed. - Specific prescribed supplications (dhikr)
(e.g., before eating, entering bathroom)
→ No raising of hands, as Prophet did not do so.