to touch his knees with his hands. Some jurists add that the posture must be nearer to a full bow than to standing upright, although the difference in practice is slight; the essential point is that the back must be bent. While in rukūʿ it is proper that the worshipper keep his back level, not rounded, that his head be aligned with his spine, that he rest his hands on his knees with the fingers spread, that he separate his upper arms from his sides, and that he say: “Subḥāna Rabbī al-ʿAẓīm” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great), repeating it. He should also say: “Subḥānaka Allāhumma Rabbana wa bi-ḥamdik, Allāhumma ighfir lī” (Glory be to You, O Allah, our Lord, and with Your praise; O Allah, forgive me) and “Subbūḥ, Quddūs, Lord of the angels and the Spirit.”

Among the pillars of the prayer is prostration (sujūd). Allah says: “O you who believe, bow and prostrate and worship your Lord” (Q 22:77). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “I have been commanded to prostrate on seven bones: the forehead”—and he pointed to his nose—“the two hands, the two knees, and the tips of the two feet.” Prostration is therefore indispensable; the prayer is not valid without it. While prostrating, one says: “Subḥāna Rabbī al-Aʿlā” (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High).

Reflect on the wisdom of this: in bowing you say, “Subḥāna Rabbī al-ʿAẓīm” because the posture itself signifies exaltation, and in prostration