5/1. Chapter:
Sunan Ibn Majah 803 — Starting Prayer with Takbir
The opening of the Prayer
Hadith About Starting Prayer with Takbir
Sunan Ibn Majah : 803
Sunan Ibn MajahHadith Number 803
حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ الطَّنَافِسِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو أُسَامَةَ، حَدَّثَنِي عَبْدُ الْحَمِيدِ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَمْرِو بْنِ عَطَاءٍ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا حُمَيْدٍ السَّاعِدِيَّ، يَقُولُ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ إِذَا قَامَ إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ اسْتَقْبَلَ الْقِبْلَةَ وَرَفَعَ يَدَيْهِ وَقَالَ " اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ " .
Abu Humaid As-Sa'idi Narrated from:
When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood up for prayer, he would face the prayer direction, raise his hands, and say: “Allahu Akbar (Allah is Most Great).”
Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 803In-book reference : Book 5, Hadith 1English translation : Vol. 1, Book 5, Hadith 803
Summary of Sunan Ibn Majah Hadith 803
This hadith about starting prayer with Takbir describes how the Messenger of Allah began Salah. When he stood for prayer, he faced the Qiblah, raised his hands, and said Allahu Akbar. The action is simple, but it carries a clear meaning. Prayer begins with direction, focus, and the greatness of Allah. Facing the prayer direction shows order in worship. Raising the hands marks the start of Salah. Saying Allahu Akbar reminds the worshipper that Allah is greater than everything else. The hadith is useful for anyone searching for how to begin Salah according to the Sunnah. It focuses only on the opening moment of prayer and the words used at that time.
What we learn from this hadith
- The Prophet faced the Qiblah when standing for prayer.
- He raised his hands at the start of prayer.
- He began the prayer with the words Allahu Akbar.
- The opening of prayer teaches focus, direction, and remembrance of Allah’s greatness.
