['Aalim Network QR] What to Say in Rukuu and Sijda?

[sukaina panju <sukaina.panju@utoronto.ca>]

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|       In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the All-Merciful       |\
|  Greeting of Allah be upon Muhammad and the pure members of his House |\
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The following reply was kindly provided by Dr. Takim

Salaams,

Zahir Panju
Acting moderator ABDG-A


QUESTION:

 Salamu alaikum.

 I have what may seem a trivial question, but to me it is important. 
 While in the position of ruku, I say: "Subhana rabbee al-Atheeme wa bi hamdi   
 (once), then Subhan Allah (three times).
 While in the position of sajud, I say: "Subhana rabbee al-A'la wa bi hamdi 
(once), 
 then Subhan Allah (three times).
 
 While looking over the Risallah of Ayat. Sistani, it says you can
 say EITHER Subhana rabbee al-Atheeme/A'la wa bi hamdi OR Subhan Allah (X3).
 I, however, have always said both. 

 Kindly tell me what is the best and most correct thing to say while
 in ruku and sajdah, and please address whether it is appropriate to
 say just one or both of the above recitations. I truly am interested
 in knowing what is the most proper, correct,and best recitation in these
 positions, not necessarily what is the shortest. I am seeking to know
 the best tradition of the Prophet (saawaws) in this regard, according
 to Ayat. Sistani.
 
 Jazak Allah Khair.
Wasalaamu alaikum.


ANSWER:

Salaamun 'Alaykum,
 
Thank you for the question asked.
The question you have asked is not trivial, since it affects our daily
prayer, it is important for people to know these masa'il. 
 
In his Masa'il Muntakhaba, Ayatullah Seestani states that one can recite any
form of tasbih (Subhana Allah) or takbir (Allahu Akbar) or any other form of
glorying Allah in the Ruku. One can even recite the tahlil (La Ilaha Illa
Allah). He recommends that we recite the tasbih (Sunhana Allah 3 times) or
Subhana Rabbi'l Azimi wabihamdi as mentioned by you. 
 
Ayatullah al-Khu'i is even more explicit in that he states that any form of
dhikr is o.k.if it is done 3 times So you can recite Alhamdu lillahi, or
Allahu Akbar 3 times. These are called the small glorifications. Ayatullah
al-Khu'i states one can combine the major tasbih (Subhanna Rabbia'l Azim
Wabihamde with the smaller tasbih like subhanna Allah (as you have been
doing). This format is also accepted  by Ayaullah Seestani in his Minhaj
al-Salihin.
 
So what you have been reciting is perfectly allowed and recommended.
 
Except for the change in recitation to Subhana Rabbi a'la wabihamde, the
same rules apply for the sijda.

As you can see, there is much flexibility as to what one can recite in both
the ruku' and sujud provided some form of dhikr is recited.
 
May Allah accept our prayers
 
Iltimase du'a
 
Liyakatali