by al-Tirmidhī and al-Nasāʾī. Al-Tirmidhī said: It is also transmitted with the wording al-kūr (with a rāʾ), and both forms are acceptable.

The scholars explained that, whether it is read with a nūn or with a rāʾ, the sense is the same: a return from uprightness or increase to deficiency. They added that the version with a rāʾ is derived from takwīr al-ʿimāma—wrapping up and folding a turban—whereas the version with a nūn comes from al-kawn, the verbal noun of kāna yakūnu (“to be,” “to exist”).

981 – ʿAlī ibn Rabīʿa reported: I was present when ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (may Allah be pleased with him) was brought a riding animal to mount. When he placed his foot in the stirrup he said, “Bismi-llāh (In the name of Allah).” After he had settled on its back he said, “Al-ḥamdu li-llāh (All praise is for Allah),” then recited: “Subḥān alladhī sakhkhara lanā hādhā wa mā kunnā lahu muqrinīn, wa innā ilā Rabbinā lamunqalibūn (Glory be to Him who has subjected this to us, for we could never have mastered it; and surely to our Lord we shall return).” He then said, “Al-ḥamdu li-llāh” three times, followed by “Allāhu akbar” three times, and then: “Subḥānak, innī ẓalamtu nafsī faghfir lī, innahu lā yaghfiru al-dhunūba illā Ant (Glory be to You! I have wronged myself, so forgive me; none forgives sins except You).” He then laughed. Someone asked, “Commander of the Believers, what made you laugh?” He replied, “I saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ do what I have just done and then laugh. I asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, what made you laugh?’ He said, ‘Your Lord—Exalted is He—marvels at His servant when he says, “Forgive my sins,” knowing that none forgives sins but Me.’”

Reported by Abū Dāwūd and al-Tirmidhī, who graded it ḥasan; in some copies: ḥasan ṣaḥīḥ. This wording is that of Abū Dāwūd.

171 – Chapter: Saying the Takbīr When the Traveler Ascends Heights Such as Mountain Passes, and Saying Tasbīḥ When He Descends into Valleys, and the Prohibition of Excessively Raising the Voice in the Takbīr and the Like

982 – Jābir (may Allah be pleased with him) said: When we ascended we would say the takbīr, and when we descended we would say tasbīḥ. Reported by al-Bukhārī.

983 – Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: When the Prophet ﷺ and his armies ascended