Jalsa, the position of sitting between the two sujood during Islamic prayer (salah), is a wajib (must) act of salah. This pause is significant as it offers Muslims a pause to declare their faith and a chance to reflect on what they have been praying for. The position of sitting after the first and before the second sajdah is a metaphor for our existence; humans have a brief life akin to the interval between the two sajdas.
Jalsa is also a reminder that when we see ourselves in the larger scheme of things, we need to acknowledge the fact that we humans are nothing without Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). It is a reminder not to get caught up in the whirlwind of the material world; remember that this world is transient, and we should strive for the hereafter.
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to lengthen the period of sitting between the two sujood in prayer and used to recite the dua, My Lord, forgive me [Mishkat al-Masabih 901]. Similarly, Ibn Abbas (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) reported in Sunan Ibn Majah 898, when praying at night time, The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) asked Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) for His forgiveness, mercy and sustenance by reciting the mentioned prayers.
Prayer Duas
Rabbighfir lee, Rabbighfir lee.
Lord, forgive me. My Lord, forgive me.
Allaahum-maghfir lee, warhamnee, wahdinee, wajburnee, wa 'aafinee, warzuqnee, warfa'nee.
O Allah forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, support me, protect me, provide for me and elevate me.
During the brief pause of sitting between the two Sujood, one should recite the prayers with their hands on their thighs so their fingertips touch the knee rather than having their fingertips down their knees. The purpose of this prayer is to contemplate and, therefore, can be recited two or more times.
Reciting supplications in the posture of Jalsa is a sunnah, as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to do it. The benefits of this aren't as overt as one may say, but this act offers a chance for a believer to contemplate and reflect on their reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). It is a time for one's intimate moment with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), where one can ask for sustenance in both worlds and forgiveness. This strengthens the personal connection one has with their Lord, offering them a sense of tranquility and refuge.