What is the minimum required utterance during bowing (Ruku) and prostration (Sujud)?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is prescribed to say, 'Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem' (Glory be to my Lord, the Most Great) during bowing. This is the position held by Al-Shafi'i and the scholars of the Hanafi school (Ashab al-Ra'y). The minimum requirement is one utterance of Tasbeeh (glorification), as the Prophet—peace be upon him—ordered the glorification without specifying a number in the narration to 'Uqbah. However, the minimal perfection is three utterances, based on the statement regarding Ibn Mas'ud's narration that three times is the minimum limit.
Supporting text
Malik held that there is no specified limit for bowing or prostration in his view, although he acknowledged the reports of glorification in these positions.