Validity of substituting 'Man Hammada Allaha Sami'a Lah' for 'Sami'a Allahu liman Hamidah' during Ruku transition?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The substitution of the phrase 'Man Hammada Allaha Sami'a Lah' (He who praises Allah, Allah listens to him) in place of the legislated phrase 'Sami'a Allahu liman Hamidah' (Allah hears the one who praises Him) during the transition from Ruku' (bowing) is invalid and does not fulfill the requirement of the prayer. The evidence is that this substitution reverses the established legislative wording. It is analogous to saying 'Al-Akbaru Allah' instead of 'Allahu Akbar' in the opening Takbir. Furthermore, the meaning is not equivalent because the prescribed phrase, 'Sami'a Allahu liman Hamidah,' functions as a statement of fact capable of being a supplication (dua), whereas the alternative phrase is structured as a conditional clause and its consequence, which cannot fulfill the prescribed function.
Supporting text
The scholars of the Shafi'i school permit this substitution, asserting that the individual has presented both the literal wording and the intended meaning.