He prayed with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) one night and he heard him say when he said the takbir: "Allahu Akbara dhal-jabaruti wal-malakuti wal-kibriya'i wal-'azamah (Allah is Most Great, the One Who has all power, sovereignty, magnificence and might.)" When bowing he would say: "Subhana Rabbial-'Azim (Glory be to my Lord Almighty)." When he raised his head from bowing he would say: "Lirabbil-hamd, Lirabbil-hamd (To my Lord be praise, to my Lord be praise)." And when he prostrated (he said): "Subhana Rabbial-A'la (Glory be to my Lord Most High)." And between the two prostrations (he said): "Rabbighfirli, Rabbighfirli (Lord forgive me, Lord forgive me)." His standing, his bowing, when he raised his head from bowing, his prostration and the time between the two prostrations, were almost the same.
The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together)
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1069
Hadith Commentary
This narration provides profound insight into the Prophet's (ﷺ) manner of prayer, demonstrating the perfection of his worship. The additional phrases in the opening takbir - "dhal-jabaruti wal-malakuti wal-kibriya'i wal-'azamah" - are not obligatory but represent the Prophet's comprehensive recognition of Allah's absolute sovereignty over all domains of existence.
The consistency in timing between prayer positions reflects the perfect balance and tranquility (tuma'ninah) that must characterize the Muslim's prayer. Each movement should be performed with full presence of heart and mind, not rushed.
The repetition in supplications - saying "Lirabbil-hamd" twice and "Rabbighfirli" twice - teaches us the importance of persistence in praise and seeking forgiveness. This repetition emphasizes sincerity and earnestness in worship.
The specific praises used in each position correspond perfectly to the physical posture: acknowledging Allah's greatness when standing, His majesty when bowing, and His supreme exaltedness when prostrating. This demonstrates how physical acts of worship should align with spiritual recognition.
Scholarly Insights
Imam an-Nawawi comments that these additional phrases in prayer, while not obligatory, are highly recommended (mustahabb) as they enhance the spiritual quality of worship and demonstrate deeper understanding of Allah's attributes.
Ibn al-Qayyim observes that the Prophet's balanced timing in prayer positions reflects the middle path (wasatiyyah) characteristic of Islamic worship - neither hasty nor excessively prolonged, but measured and mindful.
The repetition of supplications, according to classical scholars, serves to reinforce the meanings in the heart and demonstrate the worshipper's earnest need for Allah's mercy and acceptance.