with the hadiths in this chapter and others conveying the same meaning by interpreting what was negated as a particular manner of raising the hands, not the raising of them in itself. When praying for rain, the hands are raised differently: they are lifted exceptionally high, to the level of the face, for example, whereas in other supplications they are raised to shoulder level. This is not called into question by the fact that both contexts are described with the words, ‘until the whiteness of his armpits could be seen.’ Rather, the reports may be reconciled by understanding that the whiteness was more visible during prayer for rain than on other occasions. Alternatively, during prayer for rain the palms faced the ground, whereas in other supplications they faced the sky. Al-Mundhirī said: ‘Even if reconciliation proves impossible, the affirmative evidence is stronger.’ I [that is, Ibn Hajar] say: ‘Especially in view of the great number of hadiths reported on the matter.’” End quote.1
From the foregoing, it becomes clear that raising the hands is prescribed in supplication, whether when praying for rain or on other occasions. Indeed, raising the hands is one of the means by which supplications are answered, as stated in the hadith: “Indeed, your Lord is Most Modest and Generous. When His servant raises his hands to Him, He is too modest to return them empty”2—that is, disappointed. However, when praying for rain—an occasion of acute distress and fear—the hands are raised exceptionally high, accompanied by intense, earnest entreaty. On other occasions, they are raised to shoulder level or thereabouts, thereby giving due effect to all the hadiths reported on the subject.
It is also authentically reported from Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) in another hadith that “when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) prayed for rain, he turned the backs of his hands toward the sky.” This was narrated by Muslim.3 This indicates that the hands should be raised exceptionally high when praying for rain during a drought. Accordingly, Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyya (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “This was only because he raised them so high that