Prayer (Salah) is the second pillar of Islam and the daily connection between a Muslim and Allah (SWT). While certain pillars of prayer must be followed religiously, others are Sunnah acts that add immense spiritual weight to your worship.
One of these essential components is the Dua between two Sujood (prostrations).
Often, beginners and children focus heavily on the Sujood itself but rush through the sitting position in between. However, this pause is a moment of powerful supplication. In this article, we will cover the correct pronunciation, the meaning behind the words, and the Sunnah of the sitting position (Jalsa), ensuring your prayers are performed perfectly.
Let’s get started on perfecting your Salah.
What is the Position Between Two Sujood?
Before reciting the Dua, it is important to understand the posture. This sitting position is called the Jalsa. When performing Salah, after the first prostration (Sujood), you sit up straight before going down for the second prostration. This short interval is where you recite specific supplications. During this sitting, the Sunnah is to:
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Place your left foot flat on the ground and sit on it.
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Keep your right foot upright with toes facing the Qibla.
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Place your hands on your thighs or knees.
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Dua Between Two Sujood in English and Arabic
When you rise from the first Sujood, you should pause calmly and recite one of the authentic Duas taught by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). There are two main versions you can memorize. You can choose the short version or the comprehensive version.
1. The Short Version (Easy for Beginners)
This is the easiest Dua to memorize for kids and new Muslims. It is repeated twice.
In Arabic: رَبِّ اغْفِـرْ لي ، رَبِّ اغْفِـرْ لي
Transliteration: Rabbighfir lee, Rabbighfir lee
English Translation: “My Lord forgive me, My Lord forgive me.”
2. The Comprehensive Version
This version is beautiful because it asks Allah for seven specific blessings: forgiveness, mercy, guidance, support, health, sustenance, and elevation.
In Arabic: اللّهُـمَّ اغْفِـرْ لي ، وَارْحَمْـني ، وَاهْدِنـي ، وَاجْبُرْنـي ، وَعافِنـي وَارْزُقْنـي وَارْفَعْـني
Transliteration: Allaahum-maghfir lee, warhamnee, wahdinee, wajburnee, wa ‘aafinee, warzuqnee, warfa’nee.
English Translation: “O Allah, forgive me, have mercy upon me, guide me, enrich (restore) me, give me health, grant me sustenance, and raise my rank.”
Breaking Down the Meaning: Why This Dua?
Understanding what you are saying helps you focus (Khushu) in prayer. Let’s look at the profound meanings inside the comprehensive Dua:
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Warhamnee (Have mercy on me): Asking for Allah’s compassion in this life and the Hereafter.
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Wajburni (Restore/Enrich me): This is a powerful word asking Allah to fix our broken hearts, cover our shortcomings, and comfort us in our sadness.
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Wahdinee (Guide me): Asking for guidance in every decision we make.
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Warzuqnee (Grant me sustenance): This includes financial provision, knowledge, and good character.
Dua Between Two Sujood: The Hadith Evidence
We derive these beautiful supplications from the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH).
The Hadith of Ibn Abbas: It was narrated by Ibn Abbas that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), used to say between the two prostrations:
“O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, restore me, guide me, and provide for me.”
In Arabic: عَنْ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ كَانَ يَقُولُ بَيْنَ السَّجْدَتَيْنِ اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَارْحَمْنِي وَاجْبُرْنِي وَاهْدِنِي وَارْزُقْنِي
Additionally, regarding the shorter version, it was narrated by An-Nasa’i and Ibn Majah that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to repeat: “Rabb ighfir li, Rabb ighfir li” (Lord forgive me, Lord forgive me) while sitting.
Is it Sunnah or Wajib (Mandatory) to Recite this Dua?
This is a common question among students of knowledge.
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The Majority View: Most scholars consider saying the Dua between Sujood as a confirmed Sunnah. This means if you forget it, your prayer is still valid, but you miss out on the reward.
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The Hanbali View: Some scholars classify it as Wajib (obligatory). Therefore, if one omits it intentionally, the prayer may be affected, but if forgotten, one performs Sujood as-Sahw (Prostration of Forgetfulness).
What if I don’t know the Arabic yet? The Sunnah comprises two things: the act of making Dua and the specific wording.
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Best: Saying the specific wording narrated from the Prophet (PBUH).
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Permissible: If a person is new to Islam or a child who cannot memorize the wording yet, the Sunnah is to ask Allah for anything good.
If you are unable to memorize the specific Arabic wording immediately, or if you do not know it yet, you may say whatever Dua you are able to, such as asking forgiveness for yourself and your parents. There is nothing wrong with that while you are learning.
However, it is always preferable and better to strive to learn the exact Dua that was narrated from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) to follow his footsteps perfectly.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What happens if I forget to say the Dua between the two Sujood?
A: According to the majority of scholars, this Dua is Sunnah. If you forget it unintentionally, your prayer is valid, and you do not need to repeat it. However, maintaining it brings great reward.
Q: Can I say the Dua in English during the prayer?
A: During the formal Salah (prayer), it is required to recite in Arabic if you are able. If you are a new Muslim and currently learning, you should do your best to learn the Arabic phrase “Rabbighfir lee” as soon as possible. Until then, pause and glorify Allah in your heart.
Q: How long should I sit between the two prostrations?
A: You should sit long enough to say the Dua at least once calmly. The Prophet (PBUH) used to lengthen this sitting until his joints settled in position. Rushing through this movement is discouraged.
Q: Can I add other Duas in this position?
A: Yes, after reciting the Sunnah Dua, you may ask Allah for other needs, but it is generally recommended to make personal supplications during the Sujood (prostration) itself, as it is the position closest to Allah.
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