Do I have to raise my hands when making dua?
No, you don't have to raise your hands when making dua. Raising them is a recommended Sunnah in many situations, and the Prophet ﷺ often did it. But a dua said without raising your hands is still a complete dua, and there are moments, like inside the prayer, when people normally don't raise them at all.
The Prophet ﷺ often raised his hands
Several authentic reports describe it:
- For a companion: when told that Abu Amir had died asking for his forgiveness, the Prophet ﷺ made wudu, raised his hands and prayed for his forgiveness, and the narrator saw "the whiteness of the Prophet's armpits" (Sahih al-Bukhari 4323).
- In general: Anas said, "The Prophet raised his hands (in invocation) till I saw the whiteness of his armpits" (Sahih al-Bukhari 6341).
- Allah's generosity: the Prophet ﷺ said that your Lord "is ashamed to turn away empty the hands of His servant when he raises them to Him" (Sunan Abi Dawud 1488).
Anas also said the Prophet ﷺ never raised his hands for any invocation except the prayer for rain, raising them until his armpits showed (Sahih al-Bukhari 1031). Since other companions saw him raise his hands in many duas, scholars understand this to mean he raised them highest in the rain prayer and more modestly elsewhere.
When people usually don't raise their hands
- Inside the prayer: duas in sujood or before the salam are said in the normal prayer position, without lifting your hands.
- Everyday duas: the short duas for eating, leaving the house, entering the bathroom or getting into a car are said without raising the hands.
- During the Friday sermon: many scholars say the imam shouldn't raise his hands for the duas in the khutbah, except in special cases like praying for rain. Views differ for the listeners.
- When it isn't practical: driving, carrying shopping or holding a baby. Just make the dua.
How to raise your hands
There's no single strict method. Most people hold their palms facing up, together or slightly apart, at around chest or shoulder level, as if waiting to receive something. Keep it natural and humble. You don't need to copy anyone's exact style at the mosque.
Afterwards, some people wipe their faces with their hands. Scholars differ on this, because the narrations about it are considered weak by many. See Do I have to say "Ameen" after every dua?
What matters more than your hands
Sincerity, presence of heart and trust in Allah matter far more than your posture. A whispered dua while lying in bed or sitting on the bus is heard just like one with raised hands. If raising your hands helps you focus, do it; if you're somewhere it would feel awkward, don't worry. See Can I make dua silently in my head?
- Raising your hands is Sunnah, not required.
- The Prophet ﷺ often raised his hands in dua.
- Duas inside the prayer and daily short duas are said without raising them.
- Sincerity matters more than posture.
People also ask
What dua can I say when I'm sick?
Yes: hand on the pain, say Bismillah 3 times and "A'udhu billahi wa qudratihi..." 7 times. Make dua and see a doctor too.
Read the full answer →Should I wipe my face after making dua?
It depends on the scholars you follow, but it isn't required. The face-wiping reports are weak, so some allow it and others leave it.
Read the full answer →What dua do I say when I move into a new home?
It depends: there's no single new home dua, but sunnah words fit. Say A'udhu bi kalimatillahit-tammati, Bismillah, and recite al-Baqarah.
Read the full answer →What does "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah" mean?
Yes, it means "There is no might and no power except with Allah." The Prophet called it a treasure of Paradise; say it when overwhelmed.
Read the full answer →What dua do I say when leaving the house?
Yes, say "Bismillah, tawakkaltu 'ala Allah, la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah." Whoever says it is guided and protected.
Read the full answer →