What remembrance did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ use when ascending and descending?
Dr. Ramadan Abdel Razek highlighted a simple Prophetic practice that Muslims can incorporate into their daily lives: saying “Allahu Akbar” when ascending and glorifying Allah when descending.
The Prophet ﷺ would say takbir when ascending and tasbih when descending. This Sunnah can be practiced in everyday situations, such as climbing stairs, using an elevator, boarding an airplane, or moving between higher and lower places.
What Should We Say When Ascending?
When ascending, a Muslim says:
“Allahu Akbar” — “Allah is the Greatest.”
This can be practiced while climbing stairs, taking an elevator to a higher floor, boarding an airplane, or ascending to any higher location.
A narration from Jabir رضي الله عنه reports that when the Prophet ﷺ ascended a high place, he would say takbir, and when he descended, he would glorify Allah.
What Should We Say When Descending?
When descending, a Muslim glorifies Allah by saying:
“Subhan Allah” — “Glory be to Allah.”
The remembrance reflects the believer's awareness of Allah's perfection and greatness.
Why Do We Say Takbir When Ascending and Tasbih When Descending?
Dr. Ramadan Abdel Razek explained that one of the meanings mentioned by scholars is that ascending can create a feeling of elevation or superiority. Saying “Allahu Akbar” reminds the believer that Allah is greater than everything, protecting the heart from pride and arrogance.
As for descending, glorifying Allah is a form of remembrance that can bring tranquility and help the believer maintain a connection with Allah.
These are explanations mentioned by scholars and should not necessarily be presented as the only reason for the Prophetic practice.
What Is the Connection With Prophet Yunus?
Dr. Ramadan Abdel Razek also referred to the story of Prophet Yunus عليه السلام, who called upon Allah while he was inside the whale:
“There is no deity except You; glory be to You. Indeed, I have been among the wrongdoers.”
(Qur'an 21:87)
Allah then says:
“So We responded to him and saved him from distress. And thus We save the believers.”
(Qur'an 21:88)
The verses demonstrate the importance of turning to Allah, acknowledging one's shortcomings, and glorifying Him during times of hardship.
Can This Sunnah Be Practiced in Everyday Life?
Yes. Muslims can revive this Sunnah in many ordinary situations, including:
- Climbing stairs.
- Taking an elevator upward.
- Boarding an airplane.
- Descending from a high place.
- Traveling through mountainous areas.
- Moving between higher and lower locations.
The remembrance should be practiced naturally and sincerely, without unnecessary exaggeration or complication.
A Simple Sunnah With Great Meaning
Reviving the Sunnah does not always require a long act of worship. Sometimes it is simply a short phrase repeated during an ordinary moment.
Such remembrance transforms everyday movements into opportunities to remember Allah and remain conscious of His greatness.
Conclusion
The established Prophetic practice is that the Prophet ﷺ would say takbir when ascending and glorify Allah when descending.
When ascending, a Muslim may say:
“Allahu Akbar.”
When descending:
“Subhan Allah.”
The greater purpose is to keep the tongue and heart connected to the remembrance of Allah throughout everyday life.
What did the Prophet say when ascending?
He would say “Allahu Akbar” — Allah is the Greatest.
What did the Prophet say when descending?
He would glorify Allah by saying “Subhan Allah.”
Can I say “Allahu Akbar” when using an elevator?
Yes, doing so can be a simple way to revive the Prophetic practice of takbir when ascending.
Why is takbir said when ascending?
Among the meanings mentioned by scholars is that it reminds a person that Allah is greater than everything and guards against pride.
What was the supplication of Prophet Yunus during distress?
“There is no deity except You; glory be to You. Indeed, I have been among the wrongdoers.”
