Anas radiyallahu ‘anhu said: “I pray as I saw the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessing be upon him, leading us.”
Thaabit radiyallahu ‘anhu said: “Anas used to do something which I do not see you doing; when he lifted his head from bowing (rukoo‘) he stood up (so long) that one would say: He has forgotten (to bow down in prostration/sujood). And when he lifted his head from prostration (sujood), he stayed in that position, ’til someone would say: ‘He has forgotten (to bow down in prostration for the second sajda)’” [Al-Bukhaaree, Muslim]
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, rahimahullah, said: “This sunnah was forsaken by many people after the time of the companions, may Allah be pleased with them, came to a close.”
Subhanallah, forsaken!
So add in a pause— after coming up from rukoo, for example— to revive this sunnah.
When you pause between two prostrations you can say: Rabbighfirlee, Rabbighfirlee (O Lord fogive me, O Lord forgive me), as the Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wasallam used to supplicate [Abu Dawood]
Hints
- Write on a sticky note, “take a break in salah” and stick it wherever you pray, to remind yourself.
- Teach this etiquette of prayer to the children in shaa Allah!
