Journal of Islamic Studies > Volume 28, No. 2, 2016

Spots Where Pilgrims Raise Their Hands in Prayers / Abdulrahman Al-Jal'uud

This research surveys the places where pilgrims raise their hands in prayers. The raising of hands is a part of the actions and sayings that were done by Prophet Mohammad during hajj, and hence is a part of the hajj rituals. The research identifies such places, as mentioned by religious scholars. It also examines related scholars' views and their supporting evidences, and compares the views, choosing the potential view. The research applies an analytical inductive approach. It defines du'aa (prayers) and identifies its virtues. It identifies two spots of raising hands when saying prayers / du'aa: one inside the Haraam Mosque, and the other outside it. Among the important findings of the research are: there are eight spots where hands are raised when saying prayers; three places are inside the Haraam Mosque:  the spot where one sees the Ka'bah on entering the Mosque , at the multazim side of the Ka'bah and on Al-Safa and Al-Marwa spots; and five places are not in Al-Haraam Mosque boundaries: on the Mount of Arafah, in Muzdalifah  - after the Ishaa' prayer - at Al-Jamarah Al-Sughra place - once the jamaraat are thrown - and at Al-Jamarah Al-Wusta - once the pebbles are thrown. In the eight places there are variations in raising the hands in terms of: the number of times, the manner of raising and the length of prayers.