I had a question concerning Raful Yadain (raising hands before and after Ruku’). It has come to my knowledge that it was originally commanded by the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) because the Muslims used to hide idols under their arms, and this "raising of hands" would drop the idols. Later after the Muslims realized that it was wrong, he (Prophet Muhammad) (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam)) forbade it. So we should not do it. Is all this true? Let me know. My other question is regarding an Islamic lecture. You see I have a website and I want to put an Islamic lecture there of Yusuf Yahya, but the lecture has music in the background because I recorded it from a video but it is a real good lecture, very knowledgeable. Is it permissible?

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

There are numerous Ahadith that prove raising both hands on starting the prayers, (first Takbeer) on bowing and also on raising them from bowing.  This is the opinion of Ahmad, Al Shafi’e Imam Malik according to one narration.  There are Ahadith reported in Sahihain (Al Bukhari and Muslim), and in other books of Ahadith that prove the actions of raising both hands on the mentioned occasions.  It is reported from Ibn Umar and other Sahabah that "The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) used to raise his both hands up to the level of his shoulders when opening the prayer; and on saying the Takbeer for bowing and on raising his head from bowing.  He did not do that (i.e. raising his hands) in prostrations”.

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim wrote in his book ‘Zaad al-Ma’ad’, 'Raising both hands is reported in the aforementioned three places from about thirty Companions.  Ten companions who were given glad tidings to be among the dwellers of Jannah (Paradise) are also among those Sahabah who narrated the action.  There is no sound narration in contradiction to this practice. Rather this was the usual practice of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) till his death.'

Imam Al Bukhari reported from Ibn Umar that "He used to raise his both hands on raising from bowing…and said it was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam)."

As for the reason you mentioned, it is reported by some scholars like Al Kharashi in ‘Sharh Mukhtasar’ Khaleel, and an-Nafrawi in ‘Sharh al-Risalah’ but they did not mention any chain for this reason.  Also, they did not mention that Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) ever objected to performing this act.  But, they made clear that raising both hands is legislated and this ruling continued as the ruling of Ramal (walking swiftly in first three rounds of first Tawaf) continued.

Recording lectures with music is forbidden since music is prohibited in Shariah by the Hadith that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “A time will come where people will make adultery, fornication, silk, string musical instruments and wine lawful”. [Reported by Al Bukhari].

For more details on this subject, please read the Fatwa: 84350. 

Allah knows best.