To supplicate, raise your hands above your head...

Mar 17, '13 11:10 AM for everyone

One important thing should be mentioned here. It is that the Duaa for others should come out from the bottom of the heart, it should not be a mere lip-service.

Abu Baseer once asked Imaam Ja’afar Saadiq (A.S.) regarding raising hands in Duaa. 

The Imaam replied, “It has five characteristics, 

1- To seek refuge from God you should put the palms of both hands towards Qibla. 

2- To have your sustenance increased, open your hands and put the palms of both hands towards the sky. 

3- To give up hope in anyone but God, point with the index finger. 

4- To supplicate, raise your hands above your head. 5- To supplicate move your index finger against your face, for it is the Duaa of fear. Humility in Duaa is to raise both hands to the level of shoulders.”

Regarding the wiping of hands on the face after Duaa Imaam Baaqir (A.S.) said, 

“No man extends his hands towards God unless God is ashamed of returning it empty and puts some of His bounty and Mercy – that amount which He wills – in it. Therefore when one of you recites Duaa do not pull back your and modesty of your body. Then call Me in the darkness of the night to find Me as one who answers soon.”

Imaam Baaqir (A.S.) said, 

“A man asks his worldly desire from God, and He too, due to His grandeur, fulfils that desire sooner or later, but thereafter the man commits sins. 

Here God says to the Angel appointed to fulfil that desire: Do not fulfil his desire, for he has provoked My wrath and should be deprived of My favour.”