Ruku (Bowing)
Bowing from the waist during prayer as a sign of humility.
Ruku (Arabic: ركوع) is the act of bowing from the waist with the hands on the knees and the back straight during prayer. Ruku is an obligatory part of each rak'ah and expresses humility and submission to Allah.
During ruku, one says "Subhana Rabbi al-Azim" (Glory be to my Lord, the Almighty) three times. It is important that the back is straight and the head is level with the back — one should neither raise nor lower the head.
After ruku, one rises to the standing position and says "Sami'Allahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears the one who praises Him), followed by "Rabbana wa lakal hamd" (Our Lord, and to You is all praise). This position is called qawmah and is a brief pause before going down into sajdah.
Related terms
Mustahab (Recommended)
Actions that are recommended but not obligatory, and that give extra reward.
Qunut (Supplication with Raised Hands)
A personal supplication (du'a) with raised hands, recited during the prayer.
Barakah (Blessing)
Divine blessing and abundance, obtained through worship and good deeds.
Wilayah (Divine Authority)
The concept of divine authority and leadership in Shia Islam.
Ramadan (The Month of Fasting)
The holy month of fasting, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Sajdah (Prostration)
Prostration with the forehead on the ground — the most humble position in prayer.