His statement, “with the fingers spread apart,” means that they should not be held together, but spread apart, as though he were grasping his knees, as established in the sunnah (1).

WITH HIS BACK LEVEL, AND HE SAYS: “GLORY BE TO MY LORD, THE MAGNIFICENT,” ..........

His statement, “with his back level”: Levelness includes the back being straight in its extension, and level in height and descent. That is, he should neither arch his back nor bend it so that its middle dips down, nor lower the front of his back. Rather, his back should be level. This is authentically reported of the Prophet ﷺ. Aishah ﵂ said: “When he bowed, he would neither raise his head nor lower it” (2). “He would neither raise it” means that he would not lift it, and “nor lower it” means that he would not bring it down; rather, it would be between the two.

It is also reported by Imam Ahmad that the Prophet ﷺ “would straighten his back” (3). It is further reported of him that “he would straighten it so fully that, if water were poured upon it, it would remain settled” (4). This indicates complete straightness: the back and head should be level with one another, and the back should be extended and straight.

Likewise, he should keep his arms away from his sides. However, this is conditional upon its not causing harm. If it causes harm to the person beside him, then one should not practise a sunnah in a manner that harms others, for the harm involved therein