What is the prescribed wording for the phrase said after 'Sami' Allahu liman hamidah' regarding the inclusion of the particle 'waw' (and)?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The Sunnah is to say 'Rabbana wa lakal hamd' (with the conjunction 'waw'). Ahmad affirmed the necessity of the 'waw,' noting it was narrated in three authentic narrations from Anas, Abu Hurairah, and from the long narration of Ali. This is also the opinion of Malik. The justification is the necessity of following the Prophet's practice, and the inclusion of the 'waw' implies both ascribed and explicit praise, interpreted as 'Rabbana hamadnaka wa lakal hamd' (Our Lord, we have praised You, and all praise is Yours). The presence of the 'waw' without an explicit element to which it refers suggests an implied element, similar to 'Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdik' (Glory be to You, O Allah, and by Your praise).
Supporting text
A transmission from Ibn Mansur, quoting Ahmad, suggests saying 'Allahumma Rabbana lakal hamd' without the 'waw' in certain contexts, although the text confirms that both forms, 'Rabbana wa lakal hamd' and 'Rabbana lakal hamd,' have been authentically transmitted from the Prophet (peace be upon him). Ash-Shafi'i argues against the 'waw' because the conjunction implies coordination (atf) for something that is not explicitly present to be coordinated with.