Reciting the Thana’ in a congregation

Q. What is the ruling on reciting Thana’ in Salaah and when should the Imaam and followers recite it?

A. It is Sunnah to recite the Thana’ in Salaah. Sayyidatuna Aaisha Radhiyallaahu Anha reports: ‘When Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam use to commence Salaah, he would recite:

سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ، وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ، وَلاَ إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ

Transliteration: ‘Subhaanak Allaahumma Wabihamdika Watabaarakasmuka Wa Ta’ala Jadduka Wa Laa Ilaaha Ghairuk’

Translation: Glorious You are O Allah, and with Your Praise, and Blessed is Your Name, and Exalted is Your Majesty, and none is worthy to be worshipped but You. (Tirmidhi)

Therefore, it is Sunnah for an Imaam (one leading the Salaah) and for a Munfarid (one performing Salaah individually) to recite the Thana’ when commencing Salaah.

Similarly, it is Sunnah for a Muqtadi (one who is following the Imaam and has not missed any Rakaats of Salaah) to recite the Thana’ as long as the Imaam has not engaged in the recital (Qiraat) of Salaah.

In regards to a Masbooq (a late comer who has missed one or more Rakaats of Salaah), the Thana’ will be recited after standing up to complete the missed Rakaats of Salaah. (Tahtaawi Ala Maraaqil Falaah 1/281- Al-Bahrur-Raaiq 1/329)

Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

themufti.com