Raising Hands while Making Duaa (Supplication)

Question: 

When should one raise hands in duaa (supplication? When should not one raise hands in supplication?

Answer:

It is very essential to know that du`aa’ (supplication) is one of the greatest acts of worship. 

Almighty Allah says:

And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided. (Al-Baqarah 2: 186)

An-Nu`man ibn Bashir (May Allah be pleased with them) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Du`aa’ (supplication) is worship.” (Abu Dawud)

The basic principal in supplication is that one should raise hands in making duaa, except when duaa is a part on another worship. Examples of such acts of worship include prayer, khutbah (sermon), tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka`bah), etc. Prayer includes du`aa’ at the beginning of the prayer, in ruku` (bowing), when standing up from ruku`, in sujud (prostration) and in the sitting between the two prostrations.

For more information about the etiquettes of raising hand while making supplication, watch this interesting talk with Dr. Muhammad Salah.