He came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and stood by his side, and he said: "Allahu Akbar Dhul-malakut wal-jabarut wal-kibriya' wal 'azamah (Allah is Most Great, the One Who has all sovereignty, power, magnificence, and might.)" Then he recited Al-Baqarah, then he bowed, and his bowing lasted almost as long as his standing, and he said when bowing: 'Subahana Rabbial-'azim, Subhana Rabbial-'azim (Glory be to my Lord Almighty, Glory be to my Lord Almighty)." When he raised his head he said: "Li Rabbial-hamd, Li Rabbial-hamd (To my Lord be praise, to my Lord be praise)." And when he prostrated he said: "Subahana Rabbial-A'la, Subahna Rabbial-A'la (Glory be to my Lord Most High, glory be to my Lord Most High)." And between the two prostrations he would say: "Rabbighfirli, Rabbighfirli (Lord forgive me, Lord forgive me)."
The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together)
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 1145
Textual Analysis
This narration describes the comprehensive manner of prayer observed by a companion in the presence of the Prophet (ﷺ). The detailed account encompasses the opening takbir, Quranic recitation, bowing (ruku'), rising from bowing, prostration (sujood), and the sitting between two prostrations.
The companion's prayer serves as a practical demonstration of the Prophetic Sunnah, showing the integration of specific dhikr (remembrances) at each position of the prayer, thereby transforming the physical movements into acts of spiritual devotion.
Scholarly Commentary
The opening takbir "Allahu Akbar Dhul-malakut..." demonstrates the permissibility of adding voluntary praise to the obligatory takbir at prayer's commencement, though the basic "Allahu Akbar" suffices. This additional description magnifies Allah's attributes before recitation.
Reciting Surah Al-Baqarah indicates the permissibility of lengthy recitation in voluntary night prayers (tahajjud), though congregational prayers require consideration for others. The prolonged bowing matching the standing shows perfect balance in prayer positions.
The repetition of "Subhana Rabbial-'Azim" in ruku' and "Subhana Rabbial-A'la" in sujood emphasizes the importance of tasbih (glorification) in these positions. The three-fold repetition is recommended, though once suffices for validity.
Saying "Li Rabbial-hamd" upon rising from ruku' establishes the sunnah of this specific wording for the standing after bowing position, confirming praise belongs exclusively to Allah.
The supplication "Rabbighfirli" between prostrations teaches the importance of seeking forgiveness in this vulnerable position, acknowledging human need for divine mercy throughout worship.
Legal Rulings
The dhikr mentioned in each position are confirmed sunnah acts, not obligatory components of prayer. Omitting them doesn't invalidate prayer but misses recommended rewards.
Lengthy recitation and prolonged positions are particularly recommended in night prayers where one isn't leading others, allowing full spiritual immersion without burdening followers.
The narration demonstrates the comprehensive nature of prayer as both physical submission and verbal remembrance, combining movement with conscious acknowledgment of Allah's attributes.