Prayer # 11: Ruku

After reading the verses of the Qur’an, then the Prophet, Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam, paused for a moment (Abu Dawud and Hakim, legalized by Hakim and approved by Dzahabi. According to Ibnu Qayyim, the pause was around one breath in length), then he raised his right and left hand (like takbiratul Ihram) (Bukhari- Muslim), then he said: Allahu Akbar (Bukhari-Muslim), then bowing (ruku) (Bukhari-Muslim).

How to do Ruku

The followings hadiths are about how the Prophet, Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam performed ruku.

The Prophet, Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam, put his hands on both knees (Bukhari and Abu Dawud).

He pressed both hands on both knees (as if he held both his knees) (Bukhari and Abu Dawud)

He stretched his fingers (Hadith was narated and legalized by Hakim and approved by Dzahabi and Thayalisi).

If you are bowing, place the two hands on your knees, then loosen your fingers, then calm down to steady your spine vertebra in place (Ibnu Khuzaimah and Ibnu Hibban).

When he was bowing, he straightened and leveled his back (Baihaqi and Bukhari) so that when water was poured over his back, the water would not move (Thabarani, Abdullah bin Ahmad, and Ibnu Majah). 

If you are bowing, place the two hands on your knees and make straight your back and press your hands while bowing (Ahmad and Abu Dawud). 

The Prophet, Sallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam, did not rear his head nor subdue it (Abu Dawud and Bukhari). But the middle between the two conditions (Muslim and Abu ‘Awanah).

Du’a during Ruku

In carrying out bowing, there are several kinds of prayers practiced by the Prophet, Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam. The Prophet, Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam, read them alternately.

1. Hudaifa, Radhiyallahu Anhu, reported that he offered prayer along with Allah’s Apostle, Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam, and he used to recite in ruku:                                                                                                    

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّىَ الْعَظِيْمِ
Subhaana robbiyal ‘adziim        

Glory be to my Lord, the Great;

   and in his prostration: Subhaana robbiyal a’laa, Glory be to my Lord, the Highest (Muslim: 772).

2. Aisha,  Radhiyallahu Anha, reported that Allah’s Apostle, Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam, used to say very often in his ruku and prostration: Subhaanaka Allahumma robbanaa wa bihamdika Allahummaghfirlii, O Allah, Glory be to You, O our Lord, praise is due to You, O Allah, forgive me (Bukhari: 794, Muslim: 484)  

3. Allah’s Apostle, Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam, used to recite in his ruku and prostration (in prayer):    Subbuuhun qudduusun robbul malaaikati warruuh, O All-Glorius, All-Holy, the Lord of the angels and of the spirit (Muslim: 487)

4. Auf bin Malik, Radhiyallahu Anhu, reported: I stood up (for prayer) along with Allah’s Messenger, Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam, and he recited in his ruku: Subhaana dzil jabaruuti wal malakuuti wal kibriyaa’i wal ‘adzmati,                Glory be to the One, the Owner of Power, the Kingdom, Exaltedness and Greatness (Abu Dawud: 873)

5. When the Holy Prophet, Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam, observed ruku, he used to say:    Allaahumma laka roka’tu wa bika aamantu wa laka aslamtu khosha’a laka sam’ii wa basorii wa mukhii wa ‘adhmiii wa ‘asobii, Allah, it is for You that I am bowing down, and it is in You that I affirm my faith and it is before You that I surrendered myself: My sense of hearing, my sight, my brain, my bones and my nerves, all submit before You (Muslim: 771).

     

Reference: Shifatu Shalaati An-Nabiyyi Shallallaahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam min At-Takbirii ilaa At-Tasliimi Ka-annaka Taraahaa, by Muhammad Nashiruddin Al-Albani

The Prayer of Muhammad, SAW by Dr Syed Shafiq Ur-Rahman

For your convenience you may purchase the book on how to pray by clicking here.

 

 

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