Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "When the Imam says, "Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah," you should say, "Allahumma Rabbana laka l-hamd." And if the saying of any one of you coincides with that of the angels, all his past sins will be forgiven."
Hadith Text
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "When the Imam says, 'Sami`a l-lahu liman hamidah,' you should say, 'Allahumma Rabbana laka l-hamd.' And if the saying of any one of you coincides with that of the angels, all his past sins will be forgiven."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 796
Commentary on the Response
The phrase "Allahumma Rabbana laka l-hamd" translates to "O Allah, our Lord, all praise is for You." This response is prescribed when the Imam completes his rising from bowing (ruku') and says "Sami'a Allahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears those who praise Him).
The congregation's response acknowledges that all praise belongs exclusively to Allah, affirming His divine lordship and perfection. This synchronized praise between the worshipper and the angels represents a moment of spiritual alignment with celestial beings.
The Promise of Forgiveness
The profound promise that "all past sins will be forgiven" for one whose praise coincides with the angels demonstrates Allah's immense mercy. This forgiveness applies when the worshipper's utterance aligns temporally and spiritually with the angels' glorification of Allah.
Scholars explain this requires presence of heart, proper pronunciation, understanding the meaning, and humility before Allah. The synchronization is not merely chronological but involves spiritual attunement to the divine presence.
Legal Ruling and Timing
This hadith establishes the obligation (wujub) of saying "Allahumma Rabbana laka l-hamd" when rising from ruku'. The response should be made while standing upright before proceeding to prostration.
The ruling applies to both those praying behind an Imam and those praying alone. The Imam himself says "Sami'a Allahu liman hamidah" while the followers respond with the prescribed phrase.
Spiritual Significance
This moment in prayer represents a unique connection between earthly worship and celestial praise. The angels' continuous glorification of Allah finds its echo in the Muslim's prayer, creating a harmony between the seen and unseen worlds.
The forgiveness of all past sins highlights the transformative power of sincere, synchronized worship. It reminds believers that prayer is not merely physical movements but a spiritual ascent toward divine mercy and purification.