What Should Be Recited During the Bowing and the Prostration?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: As salamu alaykum,

Is it necessary to recite ” subhan rabbi al-‘azim ” three times during bowing or will once suffice?

I am wondering the same for what is said in prostration as well.

Also, can du‘a be added after the tasbih?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

According to the Hanafi school, the sunna is to repeat subhan rabbi al-‘azim thrice during the bowing, and subhan rabbi al-‘a’la thrice during the prostration. [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah]

Supplication during the prostration would be permitted, yet it should be reserved for your voluntary prayers. If done, you should remember to ideally supplicate in Arabic, and ask for only that which Allah Most High alone can grant, such as forgiveness.

Please also see: Supplicating in Prostration

And Allah Most High alone knows best.

wassalam,
[Ustadh] Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Tabraze Azam was born and raised in Ipswich, England, a quiet town close to the east coast of England. His journey for seeking sacred knowledge began when he privately memorized the entire Qur’an in his hometown at the age of 16. He also had his first experience in leading the tarawih (nightly-Ramadan) prayers at his local mosque. Year after year he would continue this unique return to reciting the entire Quran in one blessed month both in his homeland, the UK, and also in the blessed lands of Shaam, where he now lives, studies and teaches.