When the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah," (Allah heard those who sent praises to Him), he would say, "Rabbana wa laka l-hamd." On bowing and raising his head from it the Prophet (ﷺ) used to say Takbir. He also used to say Takbir on rising after the two prostrations. (See Hadith No. 656).
Hadith Commentary: The Prophetic Prayer
From Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 795: This narration illuminates the precise manner in which the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) performed his prayer, serving as the ultimate model for the Ummah. The Prophet's consistent repetition of "Allahu Akbar" (Takbir) at every transition demonstrates that prayer is a sacred conversation with the Divine, where each movement is marked by divine remembrance.
Scholarly Explanation of "Sami'a l-lahu liman hamidah"
When the Imam recites "Sami'a l-lahu liman hamidah," it signifies that Allah accepts and responds to the praises offered by His servants. The congregation's response "Rabbana wa laka l-hamd" (Our Lord, to You is all praise) completes this spiritual exchange, acknowledging that all true praise belongs exclusively to Allah.
Classical scholars like Imam Nawawi explain that this exchange represents the intimate dialogue between the Creator and creation - Allah first acknowledges the worshipper's praise, then the worshipper responds with comprehensive gratitude.
Significance of the Takbir in Prayer Transitions
The Prophet's practice of saying Takbir when bowing, rising from bowing, and rising from prostration serves multiple spiritual purposes: it maintains continuous remembrance of Allah, marks the boundaries between prayer postures, and emphasizes that all movements in prayer are for Allah's majesty alone.
Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya notes that these Takbirs function as spiritual transitions, ensuring the worshipper's heart remains connected to Allah throughout the prayer's physical movements, preventing distraction and maintaining proper reverence.
Legal Rulings and Congregational Practice
According to the Hanafi school, the congregation says "Rabbana wa laka l-hamd" while rising from bowing. The Shafi'i and Hanbali schools hold that it is said after standing upright. All schools agree on the obligatory nature of following the Prophet's example in these matters.
This hadith establishes that the Imam's recitation of "Sami'a l-lahu liman hamidah" is for both himself and the congregation, while the response "Rabbana wa laka l-hamd" is for all worshippers, creating a harmonious spiritual chorus in congregational prayer.