The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say frequently in his bowing and prostrations "Subhanaka l-lahumma Rabbana wa bihamdika, Allahumma ghfir li" (Exalted [from unbecoming attributes] Are you O Allah our Lord, and by Your praise [do I exalt you]. O Allah! Forgive me). In this way [??] he was acting on what was explained to him in the Holy Qur'an.
Exegesis of the Prophetic Supplication
The noble ḥadīth from Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (817) presents a comprehensive devotional formula comprising three profound segments, each serving distinct spiritual purposes according to classical scholarship.
Linguistic & Theological Analysis
"Subḥānaka Allāhumma Rabbanā" - This opening phrase establishes Allah's absolute transcendence (tanzīh) from all imperfections, while affirming His Lordship through the intimate address "Our Lord".
"Wa biḥamdika" - The conjunctive "wa" (and) indicates that praise is intrinsically linked to Allah's perfection, creating a balance between transcendence and immanence in divine recognition.
Qur'anic Foundations
This supplication perfectly embodies the divine command in Sūrah al-Naṣr: "And glorify the praises of your Lord and seek His forgiveness" (110:3), demonstrating how the Prophet (ﷺ) instantaneously implemented Qur'anic guidance.
The sequence mirrors the spiritual hierarchy: beginning with Allah's transcendence, proceeding to grateful recognition of His blessings, and culminating in the servant's need for forgiveness.
Juridical Dimensions
Scholars note the wisdom of frequent repetition during bowing (rukūʿ) and prostration (sujūd) - positions of utmost humility where the servant's need for forgiveness becomes most evident.
Imam al-Nawawī emphasizes that this comprehensive dhikr combines glorification, praise, and seeking forgiveness - the three essential elements of servitude that purify worship from ostentation.