Prayer (Salah) is a unique worship that differentiates Islam from other major religions. It is included in the essentials, popularly known as the five pillars of Islam. Prayer comprises a sequence of different postures; each carrying specific virtues. The postures include standing, bending in Ruku, kneeling in prostration, and sitting in a special position at the end of the prayer. Attaining these positions correctly is important, but transitioning from one posture to the next is even more important. After standing (Qiyam), the believer enters the state of Ruku, then stands again to transition to the most important part of prayer, Sujood (prostration).
There are two consecutive prostrations in each Raka’h of every Fard, Sunnah, and Nafl prayer. Between these two prostrations (Sujood), the worshiper is required to sit for a while in a special position called “jalsa” in Islamic terminology. Since prayer is one of the most virtuous forms of worship, every moment of the process is devoted to supplication. There are various authentic Duas that can be recited while in Sujood. Similarly, Dua between two prostrations is also prescribed in many Hadiths.
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.
There is a strong tradition, reported in different authentic Hadiths, that the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, used to recite a specific Dua in a sitting position between sujood. It is also a known Sunnah that the Prophet often sat between two sujood for a relatively longer time, especially during the night prayer (Qiyam al-Layl).
Here are some Hadiths in which a specific Dua between sajdahs in salah is mentioned.
Hadith 1145 of Sunan An-Nasai reports the complete process of Salah, as was performed by the Prophet. It narrates that the Prophet used to recite “رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي”, a specific Dua after sujood and before the next sujood.
Translation of relevant part - And between the two prostrations he would say: "Rabbighfir li, Rabbighfir li (Lord forgive me, Lord forgive me).
Hadith 897 of Sunan Ibn Majah also reports the same due (رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي), which the Prophet often recited between two sujood.
Translation - It was narrated from Hudhaifah that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to say between the two prostrations: "Rabbighfir li, Rabbighfir li (O Lord, forgive me, O Lord, forgive me)."
Hadith 850 of Sunan Abi Dawud reports another version of what to recite between sujood in prayer (اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَارْحَمْنِي وَعَافِنِي وَاهْدِنِي وَارْزُقْنِي).
Translation - The Prophet (ﷺ) used to say between the two prostrations: "O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, heal me, and provide for me."
Hadith 898 of Sunan Ibn Majah reports a similar Dua with slight variation, which the Prophet used to recite (رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَارْحَمْنِي وَاجْبُرْنِي وَارْزُقْنِي وَارْفَعْنِي) during the Qiyam al-Layl (Night prayer).
Translation - When praying at night (Qiyamul-Lail), the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say between the two prostrations: 'Rabbighfir li warhamni wajburni warzuqniwarfa'ni (O Lord, forgive me, have mercy on me, improve my situation, grant me provision and raise me in status).'
The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ has specifically taught us what to recite between sujood in prayer. He used to recite one of these two specific Duas between two sujood, especially during the night prayer (Qiyam al-Layl). Accordingly, the majority of scholars have recommended that:
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.
There are two different Duas reported in authentic Hadiths, which can be recited while sitting between two sujood; one is short, and the other is relatively longer. Any of these two can be recited between two sujood.
Both Duas share the same theme and meaning; the first is shorter, and the second is longer, with more detailed requests. The theme is to seek forgiveness and mercy from Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, in every aspect of our lives. By reciting it, we seek Allah's سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ mercy, forgiveness, guidance, and protection, with an abundance of provisions and a higher status in faith.
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.
The etiquette of reciting Dua while sitting between two sujood is summarized here:
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.
Benefits and significance of reciting a specific Dua while sitting between two sujood include the following:
Sitting between two sujood is a short pause after rising from the first Sujood and going for the second. This is a prime moment, where the chances of acceptance of Dua are higher. Hence, the Sunnah practice is to seek forgiveness by reciting رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي, with sincerity and full focus.
While praying behind the Imam, you must follow his commands. So, you can only sit for a time until the Imam commands the second sujood. However, when praying individually, you can sit for a reasonable time, required to complete your Dua. Unnecessary and undue lengthening of the sitting between two sujood should be avoided.
Reciting a specific Dua during the pause between two sujood is not obligatory; hence, it does not affect the validity of your prayer if you forget to recite it. You can continue your prayer normally.
Both the shorter and longer versions of this Dua are equally beneficial because both are the Sunnah of the Prophet. You can recite any of them. However, if you have sufficient time, it is better to recite the longer version, as it is a form of a comprehensive supplication.