Al-Bayhaqi also recorded the report through his own chain. Al-Darimi (1/281) and Ahmad (2/500) cite it as well—Ahmad through two routes—and it appears in Tamam’s Musnad (2/64/1152); all transmit it from Ibn Abi Dhib. The isnad is sound according to the criteria of the two Shaykhs, al-Bukhari and Muslim. (Note) Ibn al-Qayyim writes in Zad al-Maad (1/71): “The Prophet ﷺ would raise his hands with the opening takbir, his fingers outstretched and facing the qibla.” Elsewhere (1/92) he states: “He would direct his fingers toward the qibla when raising his hands—in the takbir for ruku (bowing), in sujud (prostration), and in the tashahhud (testification sitting); and he would also point the toes of his feet toward the qibla while prostrating.” I say: His remarks are accurate with respect to prostration and the tashahhud, as will be shown in their proper place. Concerning orienting the hands toward the qibla when raising them, however, I have found no dependable hadith except one on the opening takbir, and that report is weak. Al-Tabarani narrates in al-Awsat, from Ibn Umar, in a marfu narration: “When one of you begins the prayer, let him raise his hands and turn the palms toward the qibla, for Allah is before him.” Al-Haythami (2/102) comments: “Its chain contains Umayr b. Imran, who is weak.” Al-Bayhaqi (2/27) also cites it and then says: “It is weak, so I discarded it.” Ibn al-Qayyim may have considered the practice acceptable by analogy with facing the qibla in the tashahhud and other postures. Allah knows best.