Question
When the Imam rises from Ruku, should he recite only “Tasmi'” (Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah) or also “Tahmeed” (Rabbana lakal hamd)? And is it obligatory for the follower to recite “Tasmi'” or is only “Tahmeed” sufficient?
Answer
During the prayer, when rising from Ruku, it is Sunnah and prescribed for the Imam, the follower, and the individual praying alone to recite both Tasmi’ (Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah) and Tahmeed (Rabbana lakal hamd).
Evidence:
Hadith of Anas bin Malik (RA):
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When the Imam says Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah, you say Rabbana lakal hamd.”
This Hadith makes it clear that the follower should say “Rabbana lakal hamd,” but it does not mention any prohibition of saying “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah.” As a principle, what is not mentioned is not a proof of prohibition.
Narration of Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him):
Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say ‘Sami’a Allahu liman hamidah’ and ‘Rabbana lakal hamd’ when rising from Ruku’.”
This hadith establishes the permissibility of Tasmi’ and Tahmeed for the Imam, the follower, and the individual praying alone.
Mention of the completion and deficiency of Salah:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever does not say ‘Sami’a Allahu liman hamidah’ when rising from Ruku’, his prayer is not complete.”
From this hadith, it is understood that both Tasmi’ and Tahmeed are parts of the prayer and omitting them causes deficiency in the prayer.
Opinions of the Jurists
Imam Shafi’i (may Allah have mercy on him):
“The Imam, the follower, and the individual praying alone all say Tasmi’ and Tahmeed. This practice is Sunnah and important for the completion of the prayer.”
Imam Shawkani (may Allah have mercy on him):
“Tasmi’ and Tahmeed are prescribed for every worshipper, whether he is an Imam, a follower, or praying alone. The Shariah has not exempted any particular group from this.”
Imam Ibn Hazm, may Allah have mercy on him:
“After bowing, saying Tasmi’ (Sami’a Allahu liman hamidah) is obligatory on every worshipper, and without it, the prayer is not complete.”
Summary:
- Ruling for the Imam: It is Sunnah for the Imam to say both Sami’a Allahu liman hamidah and Rabbana lakal hamd when rising from bowing.
- Ruling for the follower: It is also permissible for the follower to say both Tasmi’ and Tahmeed.
- Ruling for the individual praying alone: The individual praying alone should also say both phrases.
Explanation:
Limiting the ruling of “فَقُولُوا رَبَّنَا لَكَ الْحَمْدُ” only to Tahmeed is not correct, because other ahadith also clarify the permissibility of Tasmi’.
Saying both Tasmi’ and Tahmeed completes the prayer, and omitting either one may cause deficiency in the prayer.
واللہ اعلم بالصواب
