On this occasion I would say:
It must be understood that the obligatory composure (ṭumaʾnīnah) is not achieved unless the following points are observed:
- Placing the hands on the knees.
- Spreading the fingers of both hands.
- Keeping the back straight.
- Settling firmly into the bowing posture and remaining in it until every limb comes to rest.
All of this is established by several narrations of the ḥadith of the man who prayed poorly, which I have documented in Sifat al-Ṣalāh, pp. 133–134 (Islamic Office edition).
He also cites: “It is reported from ʿUqbah ibn ʿAmr that he bowed, distanced his arms, placed his hands on his knees, spread his fingers behind his knees, and said, ‘This is how I saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ pray.’ It was transmitted by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, and al-Nasāʾī.”
I comment: The chain of this report hinges on ʿAṭāʾ ibn al-Sāʾib, and he became confused in his later years; I have not found anyone who narrated it from him before that confusion. The chapter, however, contains what renders this narration unnecessary, such as the ḥadith of Abu Humayd that the author reproduces shortly after. In Abu Dawud and al-Tirmidhi—who declared it authentic—the wording is: “He placed his hands on his knees as though grasping them….” The spreading of the fingers is likewise confirmed by the Prophet’s practice and command, as we have explained in Sifat Ṣalāt al-Nabī ﷺ.