Abdullah said: "I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say the Takbir every time he went down and got up, or stood or sat; he said the Salam on his right and his left: 'As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatulah (peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah ),' until the whiteness of his cheek could be seen." He said: "And I saw Abu Bakr and 'Umar, may Allah (SWT) be pleased with them both, doing the same."
The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together)
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1142
Hadith Text
Abdullah said: "I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say the Takbir every time he went down and got up, or stood or sat; he said the Salam on his right and his left: 'As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatulah (peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah),' until the whiteness of his cheek could be seen." He said: "And I saw Abu Bakr and 'Umar, may Allah (SWT) be pleased with them both, doing the same."
Commentary on the Takbir
The narration establishes the obligation of pronouncing the Takbir (Allahu Akbar) during transitions in prayer. Each movement from standing to bowing, rising from bowing, and moving between positions requires this declaration of Allah's greatness, maintaining continuous remembrance throughout the prayer.
Commentary on the Taslim
The detailed description of the Prophet's Taslim demonstrates its proper execution. Turning the head fully to both sides until the whiteness of the cheek becomes visible ensures the completion of prayer. The inclusion of "wa rahmatullah" in the greeting represents the complete form of Taslim preferred by scholars.
Legal Significance
This hadith serves as foundational evidence for the essential components of prayer movements and their accompanying remembrances. The confirmation that Abu Bakr and Umar followed this practice establishes it as the continuous Sunnah of the righteous predecessors, strengthening its authority in Islamic jurisprudence.
Spiritual Dimensions
The meticulous observance of these acts reflects the completeness of worship, where every movement becomes an act of obedience. The Takbir maintains consciousness of Allah's majesty, while the comprehensive Taslim extends peace and mercy to all creation, angels, and believing worshippers present.