What is the deep meaning of “Subhaana Rabbi Al-A’laa” and “Subhaana Rabbi Al-Azeem”, that will help me contemplate on the greatness and focus my attention towards Allah S.W.T. during Rukoo and Sujood?

It is pleasing to note that you want to sincerely praise Allah Ta'ala. An easy way to focus attention towards Allah Ta'ala during Salaat is to contemplate on the meaning of what is being recited. The Ulama have also mentioned that to carry out every action of Salaat in its proper manner with ease and comfort, enables one to enhance his devotion in the Salaat.

In Ruku, one should ensure that his back is straight and the gaze should fall between the feet. When a person is in this posture fully, then he should recite the Tasbeeh pondering over its meaning. 'Subhaana rabbiyal azeem' would mean, 'Glory be to Allah who is my Lord, the Greatest.' Keep in mind the fact that you are bowing down before Allah who is pure and free of any fault. There is nobody or nothing else that is worthy of bowing down towards. Allah Ta'ala Alone is the Greatest. Allah Ta'ala is Azeem, i.e. Allah Ta'ala is beyond our imagination, there is no limit to His Greatness. The entire creation put together with all their technology and intellect will never ever be able to do justice in explaining His Majesty and Greatness.

Ponder over the rewards mentioned by Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) regarding Ruku. In one narration, Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said that when a person stands before Allah Ta'ala in order to perform Salaat, then all his sins are loaded on top of his head and shoulders. Every time he bows down for Ruku and Sajda, his sins are being wiped our. Similarly, care should be taken to ensure that in Sajda, the fingers are close to each other and facing the Qiblah. The gaze should be on the nose. Recite the Tasbeeh, again pondering over its meaning.

'Subhaana rabbiyal a'alaa' means Glory be to Allah My Lord, the Most High. Here again, keep in mind the fact that you are in front of Allah Ta'ala and that you have submitted yourself totally to him Alone because of which you have placed the most respected part of your body (your face) on the ground in prostration for Allah Ta'ala who is the highest and most supreme.

Allah Ta'ala is al-A'alaa - the most elevated and high, i.e. Allah Ta'ala in His loftness, Majesty and grandeur is far beyong the highest point that anyone may think. Allah Ta'ala together with all his qualities is beyond comprehension. It is impossible for anyone trying to describe the loftness of Allah Ta'ala to do justice in his description. In Sajda, ponder, you are the closes that a person can ever get unto Allah Ta'ala as mentioned by Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) in a Hadith. In another Hadith, Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said that every time one prostrates in Sajda to Allah Ta'ala, then Allah elevates his status in Jannah and wipes out a sin from his record.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

for: Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.

CHECKED AND APPROVED: Moulana Imraan Vawda