"Imran bin Husain and I prayed behind Ali bin Abi Talib. When he prostrated he said the Takbir, and when he raised his head from prostration he said the takbir, and when he stood up following two rak'ahs he said the takbir, and when he had finished praying, 'Imran took my hand and said: 'This reminded me of- he said a word meaning- the prayer of Muhammad (ﷺ).'"
The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together)
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1082
Hadith Text
"Imran bin Husain and I prayed behind Ali bin Abi Talib. When he prostrated he said the Takbir, and when he raised his head from prostration he said the takbir, and when he stood up following two rak'ahs he said the takbir, and when he had finished praying, 'Imran took my hand and said: 'This reminded me of- he said a word meaning- the prayer of Muhammad (ﷺ).'"
Scholarly Commentary
This narration demonstrates the preservation of the Prophet's Sunnah through the practice of his companions. Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) maintained the precise manner of the Messenger's prayer, including the takbir (saying "Allahu Akbar") at every transition between prayer positions.
The takbir upon moving from one posture to another is a confirmed Sunnah that completes the prayer's perfection. Imran ibn Husain's recognition that Ali's prayer reminded him of the Prophet's prayer indicates that these movements and recitations were meticulously preserved and transmitted.
Scholars note that this hadith establishes the recommended practice of saying takbir when prostrating, rising from prostration, and standing after the first two rak'ahs. This continuity in practice among the companions ensures the ummah's connection to the authentic prophetic tradition in worship.
Legal Rulings
The majority of scholars consider these takbirat as sunnah mu'akkadah (emphasized Sunnah) rather than obligatory acts. While omitting them doesn't invalidate the prayer, consistently practicing them earns greater reward and follows the prophetic example more completely.
This narration serves as evidence for the Hanafi, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools regarding the recommended takbir during postural transitions in prayer, contrasting with positions that consider them obligatory.