`Imran and I prayed behind `Ali bin Abi Talib and he said Takbir on prostrating, on rising and on getting up after the two rak`at (i.e. after the second rak`a). When the prayer was finished, `Imran took me by the hand and said, "He (`Ali) has prayed the prayer of Muhammad" (or said, "He made us remember the prayer of Muhammad).
Hadith Text & Context
Narrated `Imran bin Husain: "`Imran and I prayed behind `Ali bin Abi Talib and he said Takbir on prostrating, on rising and on getting up after the two rak`at (i.e. after the second rak`a). When the prayer was finished, `Imran took me by the hand and said, 'He (`Ali) has prayed the prayer of Muhammad' (or said, 'He made us remember the prayer of Muhammad).'"
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 826
Commentary on the Takbir
The takbir (saying "Allahu Akbar") during postural transitions in prayer is a confirmed Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. `Ali ibn Abi Talib's meticulous observance of these takbirs demonstrates his strict adherence to the Prophetic example in every detail of worship.
Scholars note that these takbirs serve multiple purposes: they mark the transitions between prayer positions, maintain the worshipper's focus, and continuously reaffirm Allah's greatness throughout the prayer.
Significance of `Imran's Statement
When `Imran said "He has prayed the prayer of Muhammad," he affirmed that `Ali's prayer perfectly mirrored the Prophet's manner of prayer. This statement carries immense weight as it comes from a Companion who witnessed the Prophet's prayer directly.
This narration serves as an important teaching that the complete Sunnah includes even the seemingly minor actions within prayer, and that the Companions were careful to preserve and recognize these details.
Legal Ruling & Scholarly Consensus
The majority of scholars consider these takbirs during postural changes to be highly recommended (sunnah), not obligatory. However, consistently performing them earns greater reward and completes the prayer according to the Prophetic example.
This hadith establishes that the complete prayer includes takbir when moving to prostration (sujood), rising from prostration, and standing up after the tashahhud in the second rak'ah.