سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ حَمِدَهُ رَبَّنَا وَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ
Allah hears the one who praises Him. Our Lord, and to You is all praise.
Sami Allahu liman hamidah. Rabbana wa lakal hamd.
When to Read
This beautiful supplication is recited immediately after rising from the ruku' (bowing) position in the prayer. As your body straightens up from bowing, you say 'Sami Allahu liman hamidah', and then, while standing erect, you follow it with 'Rabbana wa lakal hamd'. It's a pivotal moment where you transition from submission in bowing to expressing gratitude while standing.
How to Read
When you rise from ruku', utter 'Sami Allahu liman hamidah' with your Imam (if praying in congregation) or by yourself. As you stand fully upright, follow it with 'Rabbana wa lakal hamd'. This phrase acknowledges that Allah has heard and responded to your praise, and the second part offers complete praise back to Him. Ensure your voice is clear and your heart is present in the meaning.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua is more than just words; it’s a direct interaction with Allah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us this specific wording, highlighting the importance of acknowledging Allah's hearing and reciprocating His blessings with our own praise. By saying 'Sami Allahu liman hamidah,' you are recognizing that Allah is attentive to those who turn to Him in sincerity and praise. Following it with 'Rabbana wa lakal hamd' affirms your devotion and acknowledges that all good comes from Him. The Prophet ﷺ also mentioned that after rising from ruku', the angels rush to be the first to write down the praise offered, as shown in Sahih al-Bukhari 6307, emphasizing the significance of this moment.
Source & Authentication
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'When the Imam says: 'Sami Allahu liman hamidah' (Allah hears the one who praises Him), you should say: 'Rabbana wa lakal hamd' (Our Lord, and to You is all the praise). Allah commands the angels to write down what the person says.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6306). Another narration states: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say when he raised his head from Ruku': 'Sami Allahu liman hamidah'. He would say the rising part with his head raised and then say while standing straight: 'Rabbana wa lakal hamd'. (Sahih al-Bukhari 792). A related hadith from Abu Huraira mentions: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'When the Imam says Sami Allahu liman Hamidah, say: Allahumma Rabbana wa lakal hamd.' This implies adding the 'Allahumma' (O Allah) sometimes, but 'Rabbana wa lakal hamd' is the core. (Sahih al-Bukhari 6307).