The Places of Raising the Hands at the Takbir in Prayer

Q: Is it permissible to raise the hands only at the takbir of ihram, or is it necessary to raise them at all the pillars of the prayer?

A: It is a recommended practice (sunnah) to raise the hands at the takbir of ihram, at the bowing (ruku'), when rising from it, and when standing up for the third rak'ah after the first tashahhud, because this is established from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). It is not obligatory, but rather a recommended practice (sunnah). The Chosen One (peace and blessings be upon him) did it, and his righteous successors did it, and it is what is transmitted from his Companions (peace and blessings be upon him). So the recommended practice (sunnah) for the believer is to do this in all prayers, and likewise for the believing woman; because the original ruling is that men and women are equal in rulings except where evidence specifies otherwise. So the recommended practice (sunnah) is for the one praying to raise his hands at the first takbir opposite his shoulders or opposite his ears, and likewise at the bowing (ruku'), and likewise when rising from it, and likewise when standing up from the first tashahhud to the third rak'ah, as the authentic reports came from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). All of this is recommended (mustahabb) and a recommended practice (sunnah), and it is not obligatory. If one prays and does not raise his hands, his prayer is valid.