"I prayed with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and he bowed and said when bowing: 'Subhana Rabbial-azim (Glory be to my Lord Almighty).' And when prostrating: 'Subhana Rabbial-'Ala (Glory be to my Lord Most High).'"
The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together)
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1046
Hadith Text
"I prayed with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and he bowed and said when bowing: 'Subhana Rabbial-azim (Glory be to my Lord Almighty).' And when prostrating: 'Subhana Rabbial-'Ala (Glory be to my Lord Most High).'"
Commentary on the Tasbih in Ruku' (Bowing)
The phrase "Subhana Rabbial-azim" establishes the proper etiquette of bowing before Allah. The word "Subhana" denotes declaring Allah free from all imperfections, while "Rabbial-azim" affirms His magnificent Lordship. This combination demonstrates both negation of deficiencies and affirmation of divine perfection.
Scholars emphasize that this tasbih should be repeated at least three times, following the Sunnah of the Prophet. The bowing position itself symbolizes submission, while these words articulate the heart's recognition of Allah's absolute greatness.
Commentary on the Tasbih in Sujud (Prostration)
"Subhana Rabbial-'Ala" contains profound wisdom appropriate for the prostration position - the ultimate state of submission. Where "Rabbial-azim" suited the bowing position, "Rabbial-'Ala" perfectly matches prostration, where the worshipper places their highest physical point (the forehead) to the lowest ground.
The progression from "Al-Azim" (The Almighty) to "Al-A'la" (The Most High) reflects the spiritual journey of prayer - beginning with recognition of Allah's magnificence and culminating in acknowledgment of His supreme elevation above all creation.
Legal Rulings and Spiritual Benefits
This hadith establishes the Sunnah method of remembrance during bowing and prostration. The minimum requirement is one tasbih, though three is recommended. Repeating these phrases cultivates proper presence of heart and reinforces tawhid.
The specific wording teaches us that different positions in prayer require appropriate remembrances that match their spiritual states. This careful correspondence between physical posture and verbal remembrance enhances the prayer's perfection and the worshipper's consciousness of Allah's attributes.