Understanding the proper positions and supplications during and after ruku (bowing) is essential for perfecting your prayer according to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In this episode of “The Prophet’s Prayer” series, the detailed description of ruku, rising from ruku, and the transition to sujud (prostration) is carefully explained.
The Position and Supplications of Ruku
In ruku, the back should form a straight 90-degree angle with the legs — so level that a glass of water placed on it would not spill. The hands grip the knees with fingers spread, and the eyesight remains focused on the place of prostration. The minimum requirement is to say “Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great) once, though saying it three or more times is from the Sunnah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) sometimes made his ruku as long as his standing recitation.
“Sometimes the Prophet would make his ruku as long as his standing was — if he was reciting a long surah, his bowing would be equally long in glorification of Allah.”
Rising from Ruku and the Four Positions of Raised Hands
- Say “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him) while rising, then “Rabbana wa lakal hamd” (Our Lord, to You belongs all praise)
- The Sunnah is to raise both hands in four positions during prayer: the opening takbir, going into ruku, rising from ruku, and standing for the third rak’ah after tashahhud
- Not raising hands in these positions does not invalidate the prayer — it is an act of Sunnah, not an obligation
- Whether to place hands on the chest or let them hang after rising from ruku is a matter of scholarly discussion — both positions are acceptable
“Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana wa lakal hamd — hamdan katheeran tayyiban mubarakan feeh. Allah hears and answers those who praise Him, and to our Lord belongs all praise.”
Transitioning to Sujud
After standing upright from ruku, the worshipper proceeds to sujud by saying “Allahu Akbar.” Whether to descend hands-first or knees-first is a matter of scholarly difference, and both are acceptable. The critical requirement is that seven points of the body touch the ground during prostration: the forehead with the nose, both palms, both knees, and the toes of both feet — all while keeping the elbows raised away from the body and the toes pointing toward the Qiblah.
