Question:
Is it permissible to say “Rabbana wa laka’l-ḥamd” aloud after rukūʿ?
Source: Aḥkām wa Masā’il, Ṣalāh Section, Vol. 1, p.182
Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd!
The ḥadīth of Rifāʿah ibn Rāfiʿ (رضي الله عنه) is authentic, in which it is mentioned that he once recited aloud behind the Messenger of Allah ﷺ:
«ربنا ولك الحمد حمداً كثيراً طيباً مباركاً فيه»
From the context of this narration, it is evident that before this incident, it was not the usual practice to recite this aloud behind the Prophet ﷺ.
If the Companions (رضي الله عنهم) had been generally reciting it aloud, then:
- The Prophet ﷺ would not have asked: “Who said this?” (مَنِ الْمُتَكَلِّمُ؟)
- Nor would he have needed to say: “He has said nothing wrong.” (فَإِنَّه لَمْ يَقُلْ بَأْسًا)
This clearly indicates that reciting it aloud was an exceptional occurrence, not the general habit.
After This Incident
There is no evidence to show that the Companions (رضي الله عنهم) continued to regularly say this aloud after that incident.
Hence, the correct position is:
- If someone says it aloud occasionally, it is permissible, and he will not be sinful.
- But to make it a regular practice and recite it aloud in every prayer would require explicit proof of continuity from the Prophet ﷺ or the Companions, which does not exist.
Conclusion
- Saying “Rabbana wa laka’l-ḥamd” aloud once in a while is permissible.
- Making it a permanent, continuous practice has no established evidence.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
