The Method of Prayer of the Noble Prophet ﷺ
Supplication: O God, protect me from Satan
Merciful, Your name is my only support
⋆ Qiyam (Standing):
After attaining purity of body and place, the servant should be certain that it is the time for prayer has arrived and then stand facing the Qiblah.
⋆ Intention (Niyyah) of Prayer:
The person should make the intention in the heart for the prayer he intends to perform, whether it is obligatory or voluntary. The noble Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
إنما الأعمال بالنيات
“Actions are judged by intentions.”
The place of intention is the heart, and making intention verbally is not conclusively proven from the Prophet ﷺ or his Companions رضي الله عنهم.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله says: “Making intention with words is not considered valid by any of the Muslim scholars.”
He further states: “If a person searches for as long as the age of Sayyiduna Nuh (Noah, peace be upon him) to find that any of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ or his noble companions رضي الله عنهم made an intention verbally, he will never succeed, except by telling a blatant lie. If there was any goodness or benefit in it, the companions رضي الله عنهم would have been the first to do so and inform us.”
He further states: Intention (niyyah) refers to the resolve and purpose of the heart. The place of resolve and purpose is the heart, not the tongue.
Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah رضي الله عنه considers verbalizing intention as an innovation (bid’ah).
Allama Nawawi رضي الله عنه states: Intention only refers to the resolve of the heart.
He further states: Verbalizing intention is not proven from the Noble Prophet ﷺ, nor from any companion, nor from the Tabi‘een, nor from the four Imams (Abu Hanifa, Malik, Shafi‘i, and Ahmad).
Mulla Ali Qari Hanafi رضي الله عنه states: Making intention with words is not permissible because it is an innovation.
Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi, known as Mujaddid Alf Thani, writes in his letter (First Volume, Part Three, Letter No. 186): “Making intention with the tongue is neither proven from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through authentic nor weak narration. The noble Companions (رضي الله عنهم) and the great Followers (تابعين عظام) did not make intention with the tongue; rather, when they said Iqamah, they only said Allahu Akbar. Therefore, making intention with the tongue is an innovation.”
Ibn Abidin Hanafi says: Making intention with the tongue is an innovation.
Ibn Hummam Hanafi says: It is not transmitted from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ or any of the Companions (رضي الله عنهم) that they made intention with the tongue.
Allama Anwar Shah Kashmiri Deobandi states: Intention is solely a matter of the heart.
⋆ Takbeer Tahreema:
At the place of prostration, look and say the words of ”الله اكبر“ as Takbeer Tahreema.
⋆ Raising the Hands:
Raise both hands to shoulder level or up to the earlobes while saying Takbeer.
⋆ Important Issues Regarding Raising the Hands:
Fingers should be open in a normal position while raising the hands, meaning the distance between them should neither be too much nor should they be joined.
It is not proven from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that the hands should touch the ears while raising them.
Some people differentiate between men and women in the amount of raising the hands, saying men should raise their hands up to the ears and women up to the shoulders. This is not absolutely correct, as Allama Shawkani says:
لم يرد ما يدل على الفرق بين الرجل والمرأة فى مقدار الرفع
“There is no hadith indicating a difference in the amount of raising hands between men and women.”
⋆ Placing Hands on the Chest:
Then place the right hand over the left hand and tie them on the chest. Accordingly, Sayyiduna Wa’il bin Hujr رضي الله عنه says:
صليت مع رسول الله ووضع يده اليمنى على اليسرى على صدره.
“I prayed with the Noble Prophet ﷺ, and he placed his right hand over his left hand and tied them on his chest.”
Sayyiduna Hulb رضي الله عنه says that he saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ with his hands placed on his chest.
↰ Benefit :
Hafiz Ibn Hajar رحمه الله said in Fath al-Bari, Ibn Sayyid al-Nas in Sharh al-Tirmidhi, and Allama Naimwi Hanafi in Athar al-Sunan (67/1) have graded the chain of this hadith as Hasan.
Furthermore, Allama Muhaddith Mubarakpuri رحمه الله wrote in Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi:
رواة هذا الحديث كلهم ثقات وإسناده متصل.
“All the narrators of this hadith are trustworthy, and its chain is continuous.”
Sayyiduna Wa’il bin Hujr رضي الله عنه says:
أنه رأى النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم وضع يمينه على شماله ثم وضعهما على صدره.
“He saw the Noble Prophet ﷺ placing his right hand over his left hand and tying them on his chest.”
Tawoos (RA) says:
كان النبى لا يضع يده اليمنى على يده اليسرى ثم يشد بينهما على صدره وهو فى الصلاة.
“The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to place his right hand over his left hand and bind them on his chest during prayer.”
Sayyiduna Sahl bin Saad (RA) says:
كان الناس يؤمرون ان يضع الرجل يده اليمنى على ذراعه اليسرى فى الصلاة.
“People were instructed to place their right hand over their left forearm during prayer.”
↰ Note
(1) “Zira'” refers to the part from the tip of the elbow to the tip of the middle finger.
(2) If the hadith of Sahih Bukhari is followed, then the hands can only be bound on the chest; any attempt to place them below the navel will fail. الحمد لله!
It is narrated from Sayyiduna Wail bin Hujr (RA) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ then placed his right hand on the back of his left hand, so that it reached the wrist as well.
⋆ Investigation of the narration about placing hands below the navel:
The narration about folding hands below the navel is extremely weak. It has been declared weak by Imam Bayhaqi and Ibn Hajar. Imam Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) wrote in Sharh Muslim:
متفق على ضعفه
“There is consensus on its weakness.”
Among the Hanafi scholars, Allama Abdul Ha’i Lakhnawi Hanafi agreed with this in Hashiya Hidayah (102/1), and Sheikh Ibn al-Hamam also agreed in Fath al-Qadeer Sharh al-Hidayah (201/1). Allama Ibn Najim Hanafi in Bahr al-Ra’iq Sharh Kanz al-Daqa’iq states: There is no authentic hadith that specifies the place of folding hands in prayer, except the narration of Ibn Khuzaymah.
This same point has been mentioned by Allama Ibn al-Hajj in
.
Furthermore, in another authoritative Hanafi fiqh book
, on page 93, it is mentioned that ’’تحت السرة‘‘ folding hands is not established from any Marfoo’ hadith. Only the statement of Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) exists, but that too is weak.
⋆ Difference between women’s and men’s prayer:
It should be remembered that there is no difference between the prayer of men and women. From Takbeer-e-Tahreema to saying Salaam, the form and manner of prayer for men and women is the same. That is, standing, bowing, prostration, resting position, sitting, and all the supplications recited at every stage are identical. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has a general hadith:
صلوا كما رأيتموني أصلى
“Pray as you have seen me praying.”
In this command, men and women are equal. Therefore, imposing from one’s side that women should raise their hands up to the shoulders during Raf’ al-Yadain and men up to the ears, that women should fold their hands on the chest and men below the navel, and that women should adopt a different posture during prostration while men do differently, is an innovation and bid’ah in religion. The exalted statement of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is:
من أحدث فى أمرنا هذا ما ليس منه فهو رد.
“Whoever introduces into this religion of ours something new which is not part of it, it will be rejected.”
↰ Benefit
However, the distinctions that the Shariah of Islam has stated are the dignity of a Muslim to accept, and they are:
❀ A man can pray with an uncovered head, whereas a woman cannot pray with an uncovered head. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
لا يقبل الله صلاة حائض إلا بخمار.
“Allah does not accept the prayer of a mature woman without a veil.”
❀ Note that during Hajj, men pray with uncovered heads, while women pray with veils.
❀ Regarding praying with an uncovered head, the founder of the Barelvi school of thought, Ahmad Raza Khan, writes:
“If one prays with an uncovered head with the intention of humility, then there is no harm.”
❀ In congregational prayer, the rows of men will be in front and the women behind.
❀ A man will not pray alone standing behind the row, whereas if a woman is alone, her row becomes a single row.
⋆ Opening Supplications:
It is Sunnah to recite the opening supplication before starting the recitation after Takbir al-Tahrima, which is:
سبحانك اللهم وبحمدك وتبارك اسمك وتعالى جدك ولا إله غيرك.
“O Allah! You are Pure, all praise is for You, Your name is Blessed, Your status is the highest, and none besides You is worthy of worship.”
If he wishes, he may also recite this supplication:
اللهم باعد بيني وبين خطاياي كما باعدت بين المشرق والمغرب. اللهم نقنى من الخطايا كما ينقى الثوب الأبيض من الدنس، اللهم اغسل خطاياي بالماء والثلج والبرد
“O Allah! Create a distance between me and my sins as You have created a distance between the East and the West. O Allah! Cleanse me of my sins as a white garment is cleansed of dirt. O Allah! Wash away my sins with water, snow, and hail.”
Following the example of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, a person said:
الله أكبر كبيرا، والحمد لله كثيرا، وسبحان الله بكرة وأصيلا.
“Allah is the Greatest, very Great, and all praise is for Allah, very much. He is free from partnership and every defect. Morning and evening we declare His purity.”
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The gates of the heavens have been opened for this person.”
⋆ Ta’awwudh :
Then recite any one Ta’awwudh:
اعوذ بالله من الشيطن الرجيم.
“I seek refuge in Allah from the evil of the rejected Satan.”
أعوذ بالله من الشيطن الرجيم من همزه ونفخه ونفثه.
“I seek refuge in Allah from the evil of the rejected Satan, from his harm, his blowing, and his whispering.”
⋆ Prayer and Surah Al-Fatiha:
Then recite Surah Al-Fatiha:
بسمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ ﴿١﴾ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ ﴿٢﴾ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ ﴿٣﴾ مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ ﴿٤﴾ إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ ﴿٥﴾ اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ ﴿٦﴾ صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ ﴿٧﴾
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment. You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help. Guide us on the Straight Path, the path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked Your anger, nor of those who are astray.”
↰ Benefit
Recite بسمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ along with Surah Al-Fatiha; it is proven to recite it aloud as well as silently.
It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman bin Abzaki (RA) that I prayed behind Sayyiduna Umar (RA), and he recited بسمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ aloud.
⋆ The Issue of Saying Ameen:
After completing Surah Al-Fatiha, say Ameen. And when the Imam is leading the prayer aloud, he should say Ameen loudly, and similarly the followers should also say it. Sayyiduna Wa’il bin Hujr (RA) narrates that he heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ recite غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِم وَلا الضَّالّينَ then he said Ameen aloud.
Sayyiduna Wa’il bin Hujr (RA) says: “When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ recited غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِم وَلا الضَّالّينَ, he said Ameen aloud, which I heard while standing behind him in the row.”
And Sayyiduna Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه says that when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ recited غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِم وَلا الضَّالّينَ, he would say: Ameen. So loudly that the people around him in the first row could hear it.
Hujayjah bin ‘Adi narrates from Sayyiduna Ali رضي الله عنه that he heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say وَلا الضَّالّينَ and then say Ameen.
Ibn Umm al-Husayn narrates from his grandmother Umm al-Husayn that he heard the Prophet ﷺ reciting مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ, and he recited until he reached وَلَا الضَّالِينَ, then he said: آمين.
⋆ Evidence of Saying Ameen Al-Jahr during the Companions’ Era:
Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Zubair رضي الله عنه and his followers used to say Ameen so loudly that the mosque would echo.
↰ Benefits
(1) Imam Bukhari established a chapter on this hadith. ’’باب جهر الا مام بالتامين‘‘ The statement of the Imam regarding “Ameen bil Jabr” indicates that Imam Bukhari (may Allah have mercy on him) affirmed the concept of Ameen bil Jabr from this narration.
(2) This hadith is Mauquf (attributed to a Companion), but it is considered Marfoo’ (attributed to the Prophet) in ruling. It is an established principle that when a Mauquf hadith is treated as Marfoo’ in ruling, it serves as a conclusive proof and evidence just like a Marfoo’ hadith.
Na’eem bin Mujmir (may Allah be pleased with him) says: “I prayed behind Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him). When he reached غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِم وَلا الضَّالّينَ, he said Ameen, and the people behind him also said Ameen. Then he said: ‘By Allah! I have led you in the prayer as the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to lead.'”
Hazrat Ikramah (RA) says: I saw that when the Imam said وَلَا الضَّالِينَ, the mosque would echo with the people saying Ameen.
Imam Nafi, narrating from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (RA), says that when they prayed behind the Imam and recited Surah Al-Fatiha, then the people said Ameen, he would also say Ameen and considered it Sunnah.
Imam Bayhaqi (RA) writes:
“Sayyiduna Ibn Umar (RA), whether as an Imam or a follower, would say Ameen aloud.”
It is narrated from Sayyida Aisha Siddiqah (RA) that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
مـا حسدتكم اليهود على شيء ، ما حسدتكم على السلام والتأمين.
“The Jews have never been as jealous of you over anything as they are over Salaam and Ameen.”
⋆ Proof of saying Ameen aloud from the Imams and Scholars:
Imam Tirmidhi (RA) says: Imam Shafi’i, Ahmad bin Hanbal, and Ishaq (RA) are of the opinion that Ameen should be said aloud.
Allama Ibn Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) says: It was asked from Imam Shafi’i (may Allah have mercy on him) whether the Imam should say Ameen aloud. He said: Yes! And all those behind him should also say Ameen aloud. He even said: The scholars have always adhered to this practice of saying Ameen aloud.
⋆ Testimony of Imam Abu Hanifa’s Teacher:
Imam Ata bin Abi Rabah (may Allah have mercy on him) says: “I saw two hundred (200) companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the House of Allah, when the Imam غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِم وَلا الضَّالّينَ said Ameen, everyone said Ameen aloud.”
↰ Benefit
We have found the Arab Hanafi scholars to be proponents of raising the hands and saying Ameen aloud, and this is the reason that even today, near the final resting place of Imam Abu Hanifa (may Allah have mercy on him), worshippers say Ameen aloud.
⋆ Virtue of Saying Ameen Al-Jahr:
The Holy Prophet ﷺ said:
اذا أمن الإمام فأمنوا، فإنه من وافق تأمينه تأمين الملائكة غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه.
When the Imam says Ameen, you should also say Ameen (at that time the angels also say Ameen). Whoever’s Ameen coincides with the angels’ Ameen, all his previous sins will be forgiven.”
↰ Benefit
Ibn Khuzaymah (may Allah have mercy on him) states in the explanation of this hadith: “It is established from this hadith that the Imam should say Ameen aloud, because the Holy Prophet ﷺ could only command the followers to say Ameen along with the Imam when the follower is aware that the Imam is saying Ameen. No scholar can even imagine that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ would command the follower to say Ameen along with the Imam when he cannot even hear the Imam’s Ameen.”
⋆ Sunnah Recitations in Prayer:
Then recite from the Qur’an whatever is easy and remembered. For your convenience, we write a few Surahs:
⋆ Surah Al-Ikhlas :
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ ﴿١﴾ اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ ﴿٢﴾ لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ ﴿٣﴾ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ ﴿٤﴾
“Say, He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.”
⋆ The Virtue of Surah Ikhlas :
An Ansari companion used to lead prayers in Masjid Quba. His habit was that after Surah Al-Fatiha, before reciting any other Surah, he would recite قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ (i.e., Surah Ikhlas) in every Rak’ah. The followers said to the Imam that you first recite قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ, then add another Surah afterwards; isn’t one Surah enough for recitation? If you do not want to recite اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ, then leave it and just recite the other Surah. The Imam replied: I cannot leave the recitation of قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ. He presented this matter to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and the Prophet of the Universe ﷺ said to that Imam, “Why do you not accept the followers’ words? Why do you insist on reciting this Surah in every Rak’ah?” He said: I have love for this Surah. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Your love for this Surah will admit you into Paradise.”
⋆ Surah Al-Falaq :
اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ ﴿١﴾ مِن شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ ﴿٢﴾ وَمِن شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ ﴿٣﴾ وَمِن شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ ﴿٤﴾ وَمِن شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ ﴿٥﴾
“O my Prophet! Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of the morning, from the evil of all creatures, and from the evil of the night when its dreadful darkness spreads everywhere. And from those witch women who blow on the thread after casting spells. And from the envy of the envier when he shows his envy.”
⋆ Surah An-Nas :
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ ﴿١﴾ مَلِكِ النَّاسِ ﴿٢﴾ إِلَٰهِ النَّاسِ ﴿٣﴾ مِن شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ ﴿٤﴾ الَّذِي يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ النَّاسِ ﴿٥﴾ مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَالنَّاسِ ﴿٦﴾
“O my Prophet! Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind, the true King of mankind, the only God of mankind, from the evil of the whisperer, the hidden devil who whispers in the hearts of people, whether from among jinn or mankind.”
⋆ Rules and Issues of Recitation :
1. The Holy Quran should be recited slowly and deliberately. Allah Almighty says:
وَرَتِّلِ الْقُرْآنَ تَرْتِيلًا
“And recite the Quran slowly.”
2. Pause at every verse.
3. In the third and fourth rak’ah of the obligatory prayer, it is sufficient to recite Surah Al-Fatiha alone, and it is correct to recite another Surah along with Al-Fatiha as well.
4. Moving the lips while reciting is necessary. Some people recite with their lips closed, which is not the correct method.
⋆ Description of Ruku (Bowing):
Then say ”اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ“ and perform ruku, raising both hands up to the shoulders, placing the palms on the knees, and say سبحان ربي العظيم. Reciting this supplication three times or more is Sunnah.
⋆ Essential Issues of Ruku:
1. The back should be kept completely straight in the state of ruku.
2. The head should neither be too low nor too high.
3. The palms should be placed on the knees as if holding them.
4. Keep the elbows away from the sides.
5. Keep the arms straight like the string of a bow.
⋆ Additional Supplications in Ruku (Bowing):
(1) It is narrated from Sayyiduna Ali al-Murtaza (RA) that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to recite this supplication in Ruku:
اللهم لك ركعت وبك آمنت ولك أسلمت، خشع لك سمعي وبصري ومخي وعظمي وعصبي.
“O Allah! I bow down only to You, I believe in You and obey You alone. For Your sake, my ears, eyes, mind, bones, and muscles have become humbled.”
(2) Sayyida Aisha Siddiqah (RA) says that the Prophet ﷺ often said in his Ruku:
سبحانك اللهم ربنا وبحمدك، اللهم اغفر لي.
“O Allah! You are pure, O our Lord! We praise You, O Allah! Forgive me.”
(3) It is narrated from Sayyida Aisha Siddiqah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say in his bowing and prostration:
سبوح قدوس، رب الملائكة والروح.
“Exceedingly pure, most holy is the Lord of all the angels and the Spirit (Jibreel ﷺ).”
(4) It is narrated from Sayyidna Awf bin Malik (RA) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to say in his bowing:
سبحان ذى الجبروت والملكوت والكبرياء والعظمة.
“Pure is Allah, the Possessor of great power and sovereignty, the Most Great and the Most Honorable.”
(5) The Beloved of the Most Merciful ﷺ says in bowing:
سبحانك وبحمدك لا إله إلا أنت
“O Allah! To You alone belongs purity and praise, there is no true deity except You.”
(6) The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to recite three times in bowing and prostration:
سبحان الله وبحمده.
“Allah is free from partnership and from every defect, we praise Him and declare His purity.”
⋆ Standing after bowing and its supplications:
Then if the imam or the individual is performing, he should raise his hands while saying سمع الله لمن حمده and stand up from the bowing position. After standing completely upright, he should recite this supplication:
(1) ربنا ولك الحمد حمدا كثيرا طيبا مباركا فيه.
“O our Lord! All praise is for You, most pure and most blessed.”
⋆ Virtue :
It is narrated from Sayyiduna Rifa’ah bin Rafi’ (may Allah be pleased with him) that we were praying behind the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, when he raised his head from bowing, he said: سمع الله لمن حمده Then one follower said: ”ربنا ولك الحمد حمدا كثيرا طيبا مباركا فيه“ After he finished the prayer, he asked: “Who has just recited these words?” Someone said, “O Messenger of Allah! It was me.” He ﷺ said: “I saw more than thirty angels hastening to record the reward of these words.”
(2) اللهم ربنا لك الحمد ملء السموات ومل ء الأرض وملء ما بينهما ، وملء ما شئت من شيء بعد.
“O our Lord Allah! All praise is for You alone, equal to the heavens and the earth, and whatever is between them, and whatever else You will besides that.”
(3) اللهم لك الحمد ملء السموات وملء الأرض وملء ما شئت من شي بعد ، اللهم طهرني بالثلج والبرد والماء والبارد ، اللهم طهرني من الذنوب والخطايا كما ينقى الثوب الأبيض من الوسخ.
“O Allah! All praise is for You, enough to fill the heavens and fill the earth and equal to the fullness of whatever You will. O Allah! Purify me with snow, hail, and cold water. O Allah! Purify me from sins and mistakes just as a white cloth is cleansed from dirt.”
(4) Sayyiduna Abu Saeed Khudri (RA) narrates that when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would raise his head from Ruku, he would recite this supplication:
اللهم لك الحمد ملء السموات وملء الأرض وملء ما شئت من شي بعد، أهل الثناء والمجد احق ما قال العبد وكلنا لك عبد، اللهم لا مانع لما أعطيت ولا معطى لمامنعت ولا ينفع ذا الجد منك الجد.
“O our Lord, all praise is for You, by which the heavens are filled, the earth is filled, and whatever is between them is filled, and after that whatever You wish is filled. O the One worthy of praise and greatness, the truest statement a servant has ever said is this, while we are all Your servants! O Allah! There is no one who can withhold what You give, and there is no one who can give what You withhold, and no status or rank can protect anyone from Your punishment.”
⋆ Imam and follower saying “Sami’a Allahu liman hamidah”:
If you are a follower, you should also say سمع الله لمن حمده. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (RA) that: كان النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا قال سمع الله لمن حمده : قال اللهم ربنا لك الحمد.
When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said سمع الله لمن حمده and then said:
ربنا ولك الحمد.
And this hadith is general, which includes both your states, the state of Imamat and the state of Iqtidah (following). The evidence for the state of Iqtidah is the hadith in which you prayed behind Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman bin Awf رضي الله عنه.
This is the reason why Imam Bukhari رحمه الله created a chapter on the above-mentioned hadith:
باب ما يقول الإمام ومن خلفه إذا رفع رأسه من الركوع۔
“Chapter: The Imam and the follower raising their heads from Ruku’ (bowing) when they say so.”
Therefore, while following the Imam, the follower should also recite these words, because it is necessary for the follower to follow the Imam.
⋆ Sujood (Prostration):
Then say اللهُ أَكْبَرُ and go into prostration, and in prostration keep both your arms away from your sides and both thighs away from the calves, and prostrate on seven parts: the forehead including the nose, both hands, both knees, and the toes of both feet. And in prostration say سبحان ربي الأعلى three or more times. Besides this, recite whatever supplications you wish.
إذا سجد أحدكم فلا يبرك كما يبرك البعير وليضع يديه قبل ركبتيه
“When you go into prostration, do not sit like a camel, but place your hands first, then your knees.”
It should be noted that the camel and other animals have their knees on their hands, meaning the fingers in the legs. In Lisan al-Arab, it is stated: “The camel’s knee is on its hand, meaning the finger in the leg, and all quadrupeds have their knees on their hands.” Therefore, one should not sit like a camel; it places its knees on the ground first, so we should place our hands first.
Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to place his hands before his knees and said: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to do the same.”
⋆ Study of the Evidence for Placing the Knees First:
The narration from Sayyiduna Wail bin Hujr (may Allah be pleased with him), which mentions placing the knees first in prostration, has been declared weak by Sheikh Al-Albani (may Allah have mercy on him). Its chain is weak due to the tadlis (concealment) of the narrator Shareek bin Abdullah Al-Qadhi.
Therefore, the stronger opinion is that when going into prostration, the hands should be placed on the ground first, followed by the knees.
⋆ Prostration and Closeness to Allah:
Prostration brings a person closer to Allah, the Exalted, as it is stated:
وَاسْجُدْ وَاقْتَرِب
“And prostrate before your Lord and worship Him.”
It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
Indeed, a servant is closest to his Lord while in prostration. So increase your supplications in prostration.
Furthermore, the Prophet ﷺ said: Make supplications in prostration with effort and eagerness because it is the time when your supplication is most likely to be accepted.
⋆ Prostration and the Erasing of Sins:
Sayyiduna Abu Umamah رضي الله عنه says that I came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and said: “Give me a command so that I remain devoted to it.” He ﷺ said: “Know that whenever you prostrate for the sake of Allah, He raises you one rank and erases one sin because of that prostration.”
It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (RA) that he said the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When the son of Adam recites the verse of prostration and prostrates, Satan moves away from him and begins to weep, saying, ‘I regret that the son of Adam was commanded to prostrate, and he prostrated; for him is Paradise. I was commanded to prostrate, but I refused; for me is Hellfire.'”
⋆ Prostration and Paradise:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “When the son of Adam recites the verse of prostration and then prostrates, Satan weeps and moves aside, saying, ‘Woe to my destruction, ruin, and perdition! The son of Adam was commanded to prostrate. He prostrated, so for him is Paradise. And I was commanded to prostrate, but I disobeyed, so for me is the Fire.'”
⋆ Prostration and Paradise with the company of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ):
It is narrated from Sayyiduna Rabi’ah bin Ka’b رضي الله عنه that I used to spend the night in the presence of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, bringing water for ablution and other necessities like the miswak for him. One night, he said to me: “Ask for some good in religion and the world.” I said: I desire your companionship in Paradise. He said: Is there nothing else? I said: That is all! Then he said: So help me with frequent prostrations for your own self.”
⋆ Sunnah Additional Supplications in Prostration:
Prostration is the secret of prayer and its great pillar and the conclusion of the unit; the other pillars of prayer before it are its preliminaries. Thus, they are more similar to the circumambulation in Hajj, because it is the purpose of Hajj and the place of entering before Allah Almighty. And whatever comes before it are its preliminaries. Therefore, a servant is closest to his Lord in the state of prostration. And its most excellent state is when he is closest to Allah, so supplicating at this place is the closest to acceptance. Hence, it is commanded to supplicate as much as possible in the state of prostration.
(1) It is narrated from Sayyida Aisha (RA) that the Noble Messenger ﷺ used to frequently recite this supplication in his bowing and prostration:
سبحانك اللهم ربنا وبحمدك اللهم اغفر لى.
“O Allah! You are pure, O our Lord! We praise You, O Allah! Forgive me.”
(2) Sayyiduna Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) narrates that the Master of the Universe ﷺ when going into prostration would recite this supplication:
اللهم لك سجدت ، وبك آمنت ، ولك أسلمت ، سجد وجهي للذي خلقه وصوره وشق سمعه وبصره، تبارك الله أحسن الخالقين.
“O Allah! I have prostrated only for You, I have believed in You alone, and I have become Your obedient servant. My face has prostrated to the Being Who created it and fashioned it. He has opened its hearing and its sight. He is Allah, the Most Blessed, the Best of creators.”
(3) It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (RA) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ would recite this supplication in his prostration:
اللهم اغفر لي ذنبي كله دقه وجله وأوله وآخره وعلانيته وسره
“O Allah! Forgive all my sins, small and great, past and future, apparent and hidden.”
↰ Note :
Fazilat al-Sheikh Abdullah Nasir Rahmani Hafizahullah said in response to a question: If a person sincerely recites this supplication with the intention that Allah Almighty forgive my minor and major sins, then Allah Azza wa Jal will forgive his minor and major sins.
(4) Sayyida Aisha (RA) says that the Prophet of the Last Age, the Leader of the Two Worlds ﷺ used to recite in the prostrations of Tahajjud prayer:
أللهم أعوذ برضاك من سخطك ، وبمعافاتك من عقوبتك ، وأعوذبك منك ، لا أحصي ثناء عليك، أنت كما أثنيت على نفسك.
“O Allah! Through Your pleasure, I seek refuge from Your anger; through Your forgiveness, I seek refuge from Your punishment; and I seek refuge in Your Noble Self that You do not become angry. I cannot fully praise You as You have praised Yourself.”
(5) سبحانك اللهم ربنا وبحمدك، اللهم اغفر لى، انك انت التواب الرحيم.
“O Allah! You are Pure, our Lord! You alone are worthy of all praise. O Allah! Forgive me, indeed You are the Accepter of Repentance, the Merciful.”
(6) اللهم اغفر لي ما أسررت وما أعلنت.
“O Allah! Forgive my sins, those which I hide and those which I do openly.”
(7) سبحانك وبحمدك لا إله إلا أنت.
“O Allah! You are free from every defect and partnership, and with Your praise and glorification, You are greatly exalted and majestic. Only You are the true God.”
(8) Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas’ud (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) used to recite this supplication in bowing and prostration:
سبحانك وبحمدك أستغفرك ، وأتوب إليك
“O Allah! You are pure, free from every partnership and defect, and all praise is Yours. I ask You for forgiveness and turn to You in repentance.”
(9) Sayyida Aisha (RA) states that Ahmad al-Mujtaba (SAW) used to say this in his bowing and prostration:
سبوح قدوس رب الملائكة والروح.
“Most pure, most holy is the Lord of all the angels and the Spirit, that is, Jibreel.”
(10) The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to recite this supplication three times in bowing and prostration:
سبحان الله وبحمده.
“Allah is free from partnership and every defect; we praise Him and declare His purity.”
(11) رب اغفرلي خطيئتي وجهلي وإسرافي فى امرى كله، وما أنت أعلم به مني، اللهم اغفر لي خطاياى وعمدى وجهلي وهزلي وكل ذلك عندي.اللهم اغفرلي ما قدمت وما اخرت ، وما أسررت وما اعلمت، انت المقدم وانت المؤخر، وأنت على كل شيء قدير.
“My Lord! Forgive my mistakes, my ignorance, and my exceeding the limits in all matters, and also the sins which You know better than I do. O Allah! Forgive me for my faults, my deliberate and unintentional actions, and my acts of joking and laughter, all of which are from me. O Allah! Forgive me for the deeds I have done, those I will do, those I have concealed, and those I have revealed. You are the First and the Last, and You have power over all things.”
(12) سبحان ربي الأعلى وبحمده.
“The Most High Lord is pure, and He is the greatest and most exalted of all.”
(13) The Benefactor of humanity ﷺ says in prostration:
اللهم اجعل فى قلبي نورا، وفي بصري نورا، وفي سمعي نورا، وعن يميني نورا، وعن يساري نورا، وفوقي نورا، وتحتي نورا، وأما مي نورا، وخلفي نورا، وعظم لي نورا
“O Allah! Illuminate my heart, my sight, and my hearing, spread light all around me—right, left, above, below, front, and back—and increase my light.”
⋆ Prohibition of hastening before the Imam in bowing and prostration:
Muhammad bin Ziyad (RA) says that I heard Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (RA) say that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Is there no one among you who fears that when he raises his head before the Imam, Allah will make his head like the head of a donkey or his face like the face of a donkey?”
⋆ Sitting and its Sunnah supplications:
Then say اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ, raise your head, stand on your right foot, and place your left foot flat and sit on it, placing both hands on both thighs and knees.
Furthermore, maintain moderation and calmness in sitting. Hazrat Hudhaifa bin Yaman (RA) saw a person who neither performed bowing (ruku) with full moderation nor prostration (sujood) properly, so he said to him: You have not prayed, and if you die, your death will not be upon the natural disposition (fitrah) upon which Allah created Muhammad ﷺ.
And recite this supplication as well:
(1) رب اغفر لي وارحمني وعافني وارزقني واهدني واجبرني وارفعني
“O Allah! Forgive me, have mercy on me, grant me well-being, provide for me, guide me, and complete my loss.”
(2) It is narrated from Sayyiduna Hudhayfah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to recite this supplication between the two prostrations:
رب اغفرلي، رب اغفر لي
“O my Lord! Forgive me, O my Lord! Forgive me.”
❀ After this, say اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ and perform the second prostration, doing everything in it as was done in the first prostration. With this, the first rak’ah is completed. Then say اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ and stand up for the second rak’ah.
⋆ Rest Session
❀ After the first and third rak’ah, before rising for the second and fourth rak’ah, sit down once with satisfaction, and then stand up with the support of your hands. Sayyiduna Malik bin Huwayrith رضي الله عنه prayed to demonstrate the Sunnah method, in which it is mentioned:
إذا رفع رأسه عن السجدة الثانية جلس واعتمد على الأرض ثم قام.
“When he raised his head from the second prostration of the first and third rak’ah, he would sit and then stand up by placing support on the ground.”
At the beginning of the second rak’ah, recite Surah Al-Fatiha and some verses from the Quran, then perform rukoo, then raise the head from rukoo and perform two prostrations exactly as done in the first rak’ah.
↰ Note:
The supplication of Istiftah is not recited in the second rak’ah.
⋆ Tashahhud:
After raising the head from the second prostration, sit exactly as you sat between the two prostrations, then recite the Tashahhud, and point with the index finger of testimony, keep the finger raised, keep moving it, and the finger should have a slight bend.
The Tashahhud is:
التحيات لله والصلوت والطيبات، السلام عليك أيها النبى ورحمة الله وبركاته، السلام علينا وعلى عباد الله الصالحين، أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأشهد أن محمدا عبده ورسوله
“My all verbal, financial, and practical acts of worship are for Allah alone. O Prophet! Peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, and I bear witness that indeed Muhammad ﷺ is the servant and messenger of Allah.”
⋆ Continuously moving the index finger of testimony during Tashahhud:
During Tashahhud, the index finger should be moved, that is, pointed, because this is the Sunnah of the Noble Prophet ﷺ. In the hadith of Sayyiduna Wa’il bin Hujr رضي الله عنه:
ثم رفع اصبعه فرأيته يحركها يدعو بها.
“Then the Noble Prophet ﷺ raised his finger, and I saw that he kept moving it and making supplication.”
Maulvi Salamullah Hanafi writes in Sharh Muwatta:
وفيه تحريكها دائما اذا الدعاء بعد التشهد .
“This hadith indicates that the finger should always be moved during Tashahhud, because the supplication is after Tashahhud.”
Allama Nasiruddin al-Albani رحمه الله says:
ففيه دليل على أن السنة أن يستمر فى الإشارة وفي تحريكها إلى السلام لان الدعاء قبله.
“Therefore, this hadith is evidence that the Sunnah method is that the pointing, movement, and shaking of the finger should continue until the Salam, because the supplication is connected to the Salam.”
⋆ The reward of pointing during Tashahhud:
It is narrated from Imam Nafi’ (RA) that he stated when Abdullah bin Umar (RA) would sit in prayer, he would place his hands on his knees and point with the index finger, keeping his gaze behind the pointing finger. Later, he narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
لهى أشد على الشيطان من الحديد، يعني السبابة.
“The gesture of the index finger of testimony is more severe against Satan than the sword and spear.”
Maulana Abdul Hayy Lakhnawi Hanafi has declared the gesture of pointing as Sunnah in
.
He further writes that this gesture should continue until the end of Tashahhud. Allama Ali Qari has also stated similarly.
⋆ Methods of Pointing in Tashahhud:
(1) Closing two fingers and making a circle with the middle finger and thumb, then pointing with the index finger and moving it.
(2) Closing three fingers and placing the thumb on the middle finger, and pointing with the index finger .
(3) Making the knot of thirteen, that is, closing three fingers near the palm and placing the thumb under the last knot of the index finger.
❀ If it is a four-rak’ah prayer, then sit in the sitting position during the rukūʿ, and if the prayer is two-rak’ah like Fajr, Jumu’ah, and Eid prayers, then do not sit in the rukūʿ (like sitting between the two prostrations).
And after Tashahhud, recite Durood Pak:
⋆ Durood Sharif :
اللَّهُمَّ صَلَّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَّجِيدٌ. اَللهُمَّ بَارِك عَلى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى ال مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آل إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَّجِيدٌ.
“O Allah! Send mercy upon Muhammad ﷺ and the family of Muhammad ﷺ as You sent mercy upon Ibrahim ﷺ and the family of Ibrahim ﷺ. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. And send blessings upon Muhammad ﷺ and the family of Muhammad ﷺ as You sent blessings upon Ibrahim ﷺ and the family of Ibrahim ﷺ. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.”
⋆ Prayers after Durood:
And after this, whether it is an obligatory prayer or a voluntary prayer, one may supplicate for the good of this world and the Hereafter as much as one wishes. The Noble Prophet ﷺ said: When you sit after two Rak’ahs, after the Tashahhud, supplicate with whatever prayer you like most.
(a) اللهم انى اعوذبك من عذاب القبر و من عذاب جهنم، و اعوذبك من فتنة المسيح الدجال واعوذبك فى فتنة المحيا والممات واعوذبك من المأثم والمغرم.
“O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the punishment of Hell, and from the punishment of the grave, and I seek refuge in You from the trials of life and death, and from the trial of the False Messiah (Dajjal).”
(2) اللهم إني ظلمت نفسي ظلما كثيرا ولا يغفر الذنوب إلا أنت، فاغفر لى مغفرة من عندك وارحمنى إنك أنت الغفور الرحيم
“O Allah! I have wronged myself, and none can forgive sins except You, so forgive me with Your special forgiveness and have mercy on me. Indeed, You are the Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”
(3) اللهم اغفرلي ما قدمت وما أخرت ، وما أسررت وما أعلنت ، وما أسرفت وما أنت أعلم به مني، أنت المقدم وأنت المؤخر، لا إله إلا أنت.
“O Allah! Forgive me for what I have done before and what I have done after. What I have done secretly and what I have done openly. What I have exceeded in, and what You know better than me. You are the One who puts forward (whomsoever He wills in obedience) and You are the One who delays (whomsoever He wills due to disobedience). There is no deity worthy of worship except You.”
(4) اللهم انى اعوذبك من البخل ، وأعوذبك من الجبن، وأعوذبك أن أرد إلى أرذل العمر ، وأعوذبك من فتنة الدنيا وأعوذبك من عذاب القبر.
“O Allah! I seek refuge in You from miserliness, and I seek refuge in You from cowardice, and I seek refuge in You from being returned to a feeble old age. I seek refuge in You from the trials of this world and the punishment of the grave.”
(5) اللهم بعلمك الغيب وقدرتك على الخلق أحيني ما علمت الحياة خيرا لي وتوفني إذا علمت الوفاة خيرا لي. اللهم وأسألك خشيتك فى الغيب والشهادة ، وأسألك كلمة الحق فى الرضاء والغضب. وأسألك القصد فى الفقر والغنى ، وأسألك نعيما لا ينفد وأسألك قرة عين لا تنقطع ، وأسألك الرضاء بعد القضاء وأسألك برد العيش بعد الموت ، وأسألك لذة النظر إلى وجهك والشوق إلى لقاء ك فى غير ضراء مضرة ولا فسة مضلة ، أللهم زينا بزينة الإيمان واجعلنا هداة مهتدين
“O Allah! With Your knowledge of the unseen and power over creation, I ask You to grant me life as long as You know life is better for me, and to cause me to die when You know death is better for me. O Allah! I ask You for the fear of You in solitude and in presence, before everyone. And I ask You to grant me the ability to speak the word of truth in both states of contentment and anger. And I ask You for moderation in both poverty and wealth. And I ask You for a blessing that never ends. And I ask You for a coolness of the eyes that never ceases. And I ask You to make me content with Your decree. And I ask You for the coolness of life after death. And O Allah! I ask You for the delight of looking towards Your Face. And likewise, I ask You for the longing to meet You without any painful affliction or misleading trial. O Allah! Adorn us with the beauty of faith and make us among those who guide and are themselves guided.”
(6) أللهم إني أسألك يا الله بأنك الواحد الأحد الصمد الذى لم يلد ولم يولد ولم يكن له كفوا أحد. أن تغفرلي ذنوبي إنك أنت الغفور الرحيم
“O Allah! Indeed, I ask You, O Allah, You are the One, Alone, and Self-Sufficient; You have no father, nor were You born of anyone, and You are the Being who has no equal. So forgive all my sins, surely You are the Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
⋆ Virtue :
The Prophet ﷺ heard a person reciting this supplication in Tashahhud and said three times:
قد غفر له
His sins have been forgiven.
(7) أللهم إني أسألك بأن لك الحمد ، لا إله إلا أنت المنان بديع السموات والأرض ياذالجلال والإكرام! يا حي يا قيوم! إني أسألك الجنة وأعوذ بك من النار.
“O Allah! I ask You with the fact that all praise and thanks are for You. There is no true deity except You. The Most Beneficent, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. O Lord of Majesty and Honor! O Ever-Living and Ever-Enduring Allah! I ask You for Paradise and seek refuge in You from Hellfire.”
⋆ Conclusion of Salah:
❀ Then say As-Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah turning to the right side, and then similarly turn to the left side and say the Salam.
But if it is the Maghrib prayer with three units, or the Zuhr, Asr, or Isha prayer with four units, then after the Tashahhud, say ”الله اكبر“ and stand up while raising the hands, and recite only Surah Al-Fatiha. Then perform the bowing and prostrations in the same manner as in the first two units, and complete the fourth unit in the same way. However, in this Tashahhud, pause, meaning keep the right foot standing and sit by placing the left foot under the right thigh.
Then after the third unit of Maghrib and after the fourth unit of Zuhr, Asr, and Isha prayers, recite the Tashahhud, then send blessings upon the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, then supplicate, then turn the salutation to the right and left sides, and with this, the prayer is completed.
⋆ Congregational Supplication Immediately After Obligatory Prayer:
Worship is by divine grace, therefore the actual number, manner, and place of worship can only be said to be prescribed based on a Shariah proof. Based on this principle, when we examine this collective supplication, it becomes clear that this is absolutely not established from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s Sunnah, statement, action, or tacit approval, and all goodness and blessings are in following his Sunnah. In this matter, it is conclusively proven by definitive evidence that the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, according to which his rightly guided Caliphs Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali (may Allah be pleased with them), the noble Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), and the Tabi‘in acted, is not to supplicate collectively. Whoever acts contrary to this Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, his action is rejected. As the Master of the Universe ﷺ said:
من عمل عملا ليس عليه أمرنا فهو رد.
“Whoever does an action that is not according to our command, then it is rejected.”
Therefore, those who offer collective supplication after the salam, we demand from them to present any evidence in support of their practice; otherwise, this act will be considered rejected. The worshiper should remember the numerous supplications of the prayer and recite them within the prayer. Otherwise, after completing the prayer, they should recite the prescribed supplications and remembrances, and after the prescribed remembrances, if someone wishes to make an individual supplication, they may do so.
والله اعلم بالصواب!
