Dr. Ibrahim Abdel Salam, Secretary of Fatwas at Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta, explained the divine wisdom behind the difference between the glorifications said during bowing (ruku‘) and prostration (sujood) in prayer. He stated that remembrance (dhikr) in prayer is a confirmed Sunnah that completes the spiritual essence of worship and deepens humility before God.
🔹 During Bowing (Ruku‘):
When the believer says “Subhana Rabbi Al-Azeem” (“Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great”), it expresses awe and reverence for the Almighty. The act of bowing itself symbolizes respect and submission, and the Qur’an commands: “Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most Great.” Hence, the Prophet ﷺ placed this phrase in ruku‘ to reflect the majesty of God.
🔹 During Prostration (Sujood):
When saying “Subhana Rabbi Al-A‘la” (“Glory be to my Lord, the Most High”) in sujood, the believer demonstrates the peak of humility by placing the forehead on the ground. Thus, this phrase affirms the loftiness and exaltation of Allah, as commanded in the verse: “Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High.”
This harmony between bodily posture and spoken remembrance reflects the perfection and spiritual beauty of Islamic prayer.
🕌 On Abandoning Friday Prayer:
Dr. Mohamed Abdel Samie, Head of the Department of Jurisprudential Branches at Dar Al-Ifta, stressed that Friday prayer is an individual obligation (fard ‘ayn) upon every adult Muslim capable of attending it, and cannot be missed without a valid excuse such as illness or travel.
He cited the verse: “O you who believe! When the call is proclaimed for prayer on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trade.” (Al-Jumu‘ah: 9) and reminded that neglecting it is a major sin.
The Prophet ﷺ warned: “Whoever neglects three consecutive Fridays out of heedlessness, Allah will seal his heart.”
He added that missing Friday prayer without excuse deprives a Muslim of its blessings, and maintaining it is a sign of strong faith and commitment.
Dar Al-Ifta concluded by reminding Muslims that remembrance in prayer is not only words but a state of the heart, and that attending Friday prayer honors the symbols of God and unites the believers in devotion.
