Prostration Tasbih
Prostration is defined in the philosophy of Islamic worship as 'the moment when the servant is closest to their Lord.' The tasbih of this unique spiritual station, where the head, the peak of arrogance, touches the ground, the farthest point from arrogance, has been determined by the direct command of the Qur'an. When the first verse of Surah Al-A'la, 'Sabbih Isma Rabbika Al-A'la' (Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High) was revealed, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, 'Do this in your prostrations.' The attribute 'Azîm' (The Great) in bowing gives way to a praise that transcends the limits of space and time in prostration, the attribute 'A'lâ' (The Most High / Superior to All).
سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْأَعْلَى
Pronunciation
Sübhâne Rabbiye'l-A'lâ
Translation
I glorify my Lord, the Most High, from all deficiencies.
Jurisprudential Basis
According to the Hanafi school, reciting this tasbih in prostration is a strong Sunnah. Just like in bowing, it is required to be recited at least three times. According to Imam Abu Hanifa's jurisprudence, although the state of prostration is one of the moments when the doors of supplication are most open, making personal supplications (e.g., 'My Lord, grant me wealth, forgive me, etc.') in the prostrations of obligatory prayers, even in Arabic, is not considered permissible; only this famous tasbih is performed.