Doing Raf-Al-Yadain (Raising the Hands) in Optional Prayers

الاستفتاء

A person who is connected to the Hanafi School of Thought at times perform Nafl Namaz with Raf'a Yadain (Raising hands) and Jalsa e Isthirahath (Sitting before standing for 2nd or 3rd Raka'at). Purpose is to practice according to those Ahadees also. His intention and the way of practicing is proper or should he stay within the limit of his Fiqhi School of Thought irrespective of Fardh or Nafl?

الجواب حامدا و مصلیا

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
According to the light of Shar'ee evidences, preference is given to not raising the hands during Salah other than for the Takbeer-e-Tahreema (the opening Takbeer).
The reason behind this is that in the outset, the messenger of Allahﷺ used to raise his hands throughout the Salah, however, when the order of observing tranquility in Salah descended, he also abandoned raising his hands throughout the Salah to the extent that during the last stages of his life, he performed Salah without raising his hands except for the Takbeer-e-Tahreema. There are also some instances where the prohibition of raising the hands has been narrated. Therefore, it is not correct for an adherent of Hanafi school of thought to do Raf-al-Yadain in spite of having strong evidence of it being omitted, irrespective of whether it is done in Fard or Nafl Salah. Hence, it is necessary to refrain from this practice, and act upon the light of Ahadith in according to the Hanafi school of thought. Some reference from Ahadith are provided hereunder.
Narration of Hadhrat Jabir bin Samurah Radhiyallahu Anhu in Muslim, Vol 1, p 181.
Narration of Hadhrat Bara’a bin Aazib Radhiyallahu Anhu in Abu Da’ood, Vol 1, p 109.
Narration of Hadhrat Alqama Radhiyallahu Anhu in Thirmizi, Vol 1, p 35.
Allah knows best.