for one who does not straighten his spine in bowing and prostration.’” Narrated by Imam Ahmad and Ibn Mājah. In another version narrated by Imam Ahmad, the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said:

“Allah does not look at a man who does not straighten his spine between bowing and prostration.”

This shows that straightening the spine means proper alignment in bowing, as we have explained. Some scholars, both from our school and elsewhere, have nevertheless interpreted it as stillness alone. They cited this hadith as evidence for stillness alone, not for returning upright in the two positions. According to our explanation, however, it establishes both.

Imam Ahmad also narrated in al-Musnad that Abū Qatādah—may Allah be pleased with him—reported that the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said:

“The worst thief is the one who steals from his prayer.” They asked, “O Messenger of Allah, how does he steal from his prayer?” He replied, “He does not complete its bowing or prostration.”

Or he said:

“He does not straighten his spine in bowing and prostration.”

This uncertainty over the wording evidently indicates that the intended meaning of the two expressions is the same, and that the doubt concerns only the wording, as in similar reports.

Furthermore, ʿAbd al-Rahmān ibn Shibl—may Allah be pleased with him—said:

“The Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—forbade pecking like a crow, spreading the forearms on the ground like a beast of prey, and settling in a spot in the mosque as a camel does.”

Recorded by Abū Dāwūd, al-Nasā’ī, and Ibn Mājah. He only