Raising the hands when invoking Allah

Q 4: Is it permissible for Muslims to raise their hands while making Du`a' at all times or only at certain times?

A: When the Prophet (peace be upon him) devotedly made Du`a', he would raise his hands and say: Allah is munificent and generous, and is ashamed to turn His servant away empty handed when he raises them to Him. This is also based on the general meaning of the Hadith which states: He mentioned a person who travels widely, his hair disheveled and covered with dust, who lifts his hands towards the sky. The Prophet is reported to have raised his hands while making Du'a on the Minbar (pulpit) as he was praying Allah for rain.There exists no proof in the Shari`ah (Islamic Law) to the effect that it is commendable to raise one's hands whilst making Du'a' following Salah (Prayer). Raising the hands in Du`a' while delivering a Khutbah (sermon) from the Minbar is only commendable when imploring Allah for rain. Neither the Prophet, nor any of his rightly guided Caliphs were reported to have raised their hands in Du`a' following Salah or while delivering Khutbahs from the Minbar. All good can be attained by following their example. (Part No. 24; Page No. 247) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.