242 – Ibn ʿAbbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) reported that “the Prophet ﷺ used to say between the two prostrations: ‘O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, grant me well-being, and provide for me.’” It was recorded by the Four except al-Nasaʾi; the wording cited here is that of Abu Dawud, and al-Hakim declared it authentic (1).

Hadith grading
This hadith is ḥasan (sound) and comes through multiple chains. It was transmitted by Abu Dawud, al-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, al-Hakim (1/393), and al-Bayhaqi (2/122). Abu Dawud’s version does not include the phrase “and mend my state” (wajburnī), which is found in al-Tirmidhi’s narration; nor does it mention “and grant me well-being.” Ibn Majah combines “have mercy on me” with “mend my state” and adds “and raise me,” while omitting “guide me” and “grant me well-being.” Al-Hakim gathers all of these phrases except “grant me well-being.” All the chains contain Kamil ibn al-ʿAlaʾ al-Tamimi; some critics challenged his reliability, while others affirmed it.

Points derived from the hadith
1 – The hadith demonstrates the legitimacy of remaining tranquil during the sitting between the two prostrations, as established elsewhere.
2 – It also proves the legitimacy of the supplication cited for that sitting. The jurists’ positions are as follows:
(a) Hanafis do not regard the supplication between the two prostrations as a sunnah; in their view it is merely permissible, and the narrations about it apply, according to them, to voluntary prayers or to the witr prayer.