Hadith Text & Reference

"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) often used to say when bowing and prostrating: 'Subhanaka Rabbana wa bi Hamdika, Allahumm aghfirli (Glorfy and praise be to You, our Lord. O Allah, forgive me.).'"

Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1047 | The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together)

Linguistic Analysis

Subhanaka: I declare You free from all imperfection.

Rabbana: Our Lord, emphasizing Allah's complete sovereignty and nurturing care.

Wa bi Hamdika: And with Your praise - indicating that all praise belongs to Allah alone.

Allahumm aghfirli: O Allah, forgive me - a comprehensive plea for forgiveness of all sins.

Juridical Commentary

This hadith establishes the recommended (mustahabb) dhikr during ruku' (bowing) and sujud (prostration). The Prophet's consistent practice indicates the importance of combining tasbih (glorification), tahmid (praise), and istighfar (seeking forgiveness) in prayer.

Scholars note that while the essential elements of prayer are fulfilled with basic recitations, this comprehensive supplication represents the perfection (kamal) of worship.

Spiritual Dimensions

The combination of glorification, praise, and seeking forgiveness reflects the complete relationship between servant and Lord: acknowledging Allah's perfection, recognizing His blessings, and seeking His mercy for human shortcomings.

In ruku', the body is in a position of humility, making it an ideal moment for this comprehensive remembrance. In sujud, the closest position to Allah, seeking forgiveness becomes most potent.

Practical Implementation

The phrase should be recited during the stillness (tuma'ninah) of ruku' and sujud, not during movement between positions.

Recitation can be repeated multiple times, with scholars recommending at least three repetitions to fulfill the sunnah completely.

This dhikr may be alternated with other authentic supplications to maintain presence of heart and avoid mechanical repetition.