Third, rain descends from above. Since these things that benefit creatures come down only from the direction of the heavens, that direction is necessarily nobler in their estimation. The mind is more strongly drawn to what is nobler than to what is baser. This, then, is the reason for raising hands toward heaven.

Moreover, Allah Most High made the Throne a direction to face in supplication, just as He made the qiblah the direction to face in prayer. He also made the angels intermediaries in attending to the affairs of this world. Allah Most High says, ‘And those who direct affairs’ {5} [al-Nāziʿāt 5], and He says, ‘And those who apportion affairs’ {4} [al-Dhāriyāt 4].

They unanimously agree that Gabriel, peace be upon him, is the angel entrusted with revelation, its descent, and prophethood; Michael is the angel entrusted with provisions; and the Angel of Death is entrusted with taking souls. The same applies to all other affairs. If that is so, it is not implausible that the purpose of raising hands toward heaven is to raise them toward the angels.”

He mentioned this argument in his Nihāyah, saying: “Third: the appeal