Can the adhkaar recited in bowing in salah be varied or combined?

In a Nutshell: While there are specific supplications (Adhkaar) recommended for recitation during bowing in Salah (Islamic prayer), variations and combinations of these Adhkaar are permissible according to most Islamic scholars. The core objective behind the Adhkaar in Salah is the remembrance of Allah. Table of Contents Introduction Background and Context Evidences Can the Adhkaar Recited in Bowing in Salah be Varied? Misconceptions FAQs Conclusion Introduction Salah, the five daily Islamic prayers, is a cornerstone of Islamic practice. It is a direct connection between a worshipper and Allah (swt). Every aspect of Salah, from the recitation of the Quran to the physical postures, is filled with deep meaning and serves as a form of worship and remembrance of Allah (swt). Background and Context Ruku (bowing) is one of the obligatory postures in Salah. During Ruku, a worshipper glorifies Allah (swt) by placing their hands on their knees and bowing their back at a right angle. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) emphasized the importance of reciting specific Adhkaar during Ruku. There are narrations mentioning slightly different wordings for the Adhkaar in Ruku. This has led to some discussion amongst Islamic scholars about the permissibility of variations and combinations in the wording of the Adhkaar during bowing in Salah. Evidences The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: When you go into Ruku, say: Subhana rabbiyal-aZim (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great). (Sahih al-Bukhari) The Prophet Muhammad (saw) used to say in Ruku: Subhanaka allahumma rabbana wa bihamdika (Glory be to You, O Allah, our Lord and all praise is due to You. O Allah, forgive me). (Sahih Muslim) Scholars' Opinions: The majority of Islamic scholars across the four major Sunni schools of thought consider variations and combinations of permissible Adhkaar during Ruku to be acceptable, as long as the core meaning of glorifying Allah (swt) is preserved. Can the Adhkaar Recited in Bowing in Salah be Varied or Combined? Permissible variations in the wording of the Adhkaar in Ruku can be traced back to the practices of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) himself, as evidenced by the hadiths mentioned earlier. This indicates that a specific wording is not an absolute requirement, but rather that the focus should be on sincere remembrance of Allah (swt) during bowing. Scholars further emphasize that while variations are allowed, it is important to base these variations on authentic narrations about the Sunnah of the Prophet (saw). Combining permissible Adhkaar in Ruku is also generally considered permissible by Islamic scholars, as long as it does not cause undue hardship or confusion in prayer. Misconceptions There are some common misconceptions regarding the Adhkaar recited in bowing during Salah. Let's address two of them: Only specific Adhkaar are allowed in Ruku. While the hadiths mention specific supplications recommended by the Prophet (saw), these are not exhaustive. The core objective is to glorify Allah (swt) with sincere remembrance. Imam An-Nawawi (ra), a revered scholar of the Shafi'i school of thought, states: It is permissible to say in Ruku' other than what is narrated in the hadiths, so long as it is dhikr (remembrance) of Allah (swt) and glorification of Him. Combining Adhkaar in Ruku invalidates the prayer. Combining permissible supplications during Ruku is generally considered acceptable by Islamic scholars. Ibn Qudamah al-Maqdisi (ra), a prominent Hanbali scholar, mentions: There is no harm in combining supplications in Ruku, so long as one does not go to such an extreme as to cause hardship or forgetfulness in the prayer. Variations might lead to confusion and forgetfulness in prayer. Following a consistent wording for the Adhkaar in Ruku can certainly be a helpful practice, especially for new learners. However, with proper memorization and focus, variations and combinations should not lead to confusion. Ultimately, the emphasis is on mindful remembrance of Allah (swt) rather than rote memorization. Following a specific wording ensures following the Sunnah of the Prophet (saw). As mentioned earlier, the hadiths themselves demonstrate variations in the wording used by the Prophet (saw) during Ruku. This indicates that a specific wording is not an absolute requirement. However, scholars do emphasize the importance of basing variations on authentic narrations about the Sunnah. FAQs Can I recite supplications for specific needs in Ruku? While supplications for specific needs are generally encouraged during other parts of Salah, such as during supplication (Dua) in Qiyam (standing posture), it is recommended to prioritize the established Adhkaar for glorifying Allah (swt) during Ruku. Is there a minimum requirement for the Adhkaar in Ruku? There is no set minimum requirement for the length of the Adhkaar recited in Ruku. Any amount of sincere glorification of Allah (swt) is sufficient. However, scholars generally recommend reciting at least a few words to fulfill the purpose of remembrance. Conclusion In light of the above analysis, we recognize that variations and combinations of Adhkaar during Ruku are generally permissible within Islamic tradition. While following the specific practices of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) as evidenced by the Sunnah is paramount, a degree of flexibility is also allowed.