"When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood to pray, he said the takbir, when he (started), then he said the takbir when he bowed, then he said: 'Sami Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears the one who praises Him)', when he stood up from bowing. Then he said when he was standing: 'Rabbana lakal-hamd.' Then he said the takbir when he went down in prostration, then he said the takbir when he raised his head, and he did that throughout the entire prayer until he finished it, and he said the takbir when he stood up after the first two rak'ahs, after sitting."
The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together)
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1150
Hadith Text
"When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood to pray, he said the takbir, when he (started), then he said the takbir when he bowed, then he said: 'Sami Allahu liman hamidah (Allah hears the one who praises Him)', when he stood up from bowing. Then he said when he was standing: 'Rabbana lakal-hamd.' Then he said the takbir when he went down in prostration, then he said the takbir when he raised his head, and he did that throughout the entire prayer until he finished it, and he said the takbir when he stood up after the first two rak'ahs, after sitting."
Commentary on the Takbirat
The Prophet's practice of saying "Allahu Akbar" at every postural change demonstrates that prayer is a continuous remembrance of Allah's greatness. Each movement transition is sanctified by declaring Allah's supremacy, maintaining spiritual awareness throughout the physical acts of worship.
Significance of Tasmi' and Tahmid
"Sami' Allahu liman hamidah" affirms that Allah responds to His servant's praise, while "Rabbana lakal-hamd" completes this spiritual exchange. The worshipper acknowledges that all praise belongs to Allah alone, recognizing divine perfection and human dependence.
Legal Rulings Derived
This hadith establishes the obligatory nature of takbir for postural changes in prayer according to the majority of scholars. The specific timing mentioned indicates these takbirat are integral components (arkan) of the prayer, not merely recommended acts.
Spiritual Benefits
The continuous repetition of Allah's greatness throughout prayer serves to purify the heart from worldly distractions, maintain proper focus (khushu'), and reinforce the worshipper's consciousness of standing before the Divine Presence.