This is a matter open to more than one possibility. As mentioned earlier, the various opening supplications that have been narrated are not all recited together; rather, some are said at times and others at other times. (1) We have already explained the evidence for this. As for the well-known remembrances in bowing, they are all recited together according to the majority of scholars.

Then the imam and the one praying alone raise their heads and hands, saying: “Allah hears whoever praises Him.”

His statement, “Then he raises his head,” means that he raises his head and his back, because the author previously said, “Then he bows,” and bowing consists of bending the back.

His statement, “and his hands,” means that he raises his hands to the level of his shoulders, as has previously been mentioned regarding raising them for the opening takbir.

Raising them at this point is a sunnah established in the hadith of Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, recorded in the two Sahihs and elsewhere: the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, “would raise his hands when he pronounced the takbir for bowing, and when he rose from bowing.” (2)

His statement, “saying—the imam and the one praying alone—‘Allah hears whoever praises Him,’” means that “saying” describes the subject of “raises.” Thus, this phrase is said while rising, and this remembrance—“Allah hears whoever praises Him”—is among the remembrances of rising. It is therefore not said before rising, nor delayed until afterward.

The same discussion applies here as was mentioned concerning the takbir for bowing. Some scholars hold that one must say, “Allah hears whoever praises Him,” during the interval between rising and attaining an upright posture. Thus, if he says it before beginning to rise, or delays part or all of it until after he has become upright, it does not count. However, as we have previously explained, there is latitude in this matter, and people should not be burdened with undue hardship over it. (3)