and prostration, for by Him in whose hand is my soul, I can indeed see you behind my back when you bow and when you prostrate.”

Muslim also narrated it through Hishām al-Dastawā’ī and Ibn Abī ‘Arūba, from Qatāda, from Anas—may Allah be pleased with him—that the Prophet of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Complete your bowing and prostration”—Ibn Abī ‘Arūba’s wording is: “Perform your bowing and prostration properly, for I can see you”—and he related the remainder of the hadith.

This makes clear that performing bowing and prostration properly requires completing them, as expressed in the other wording.

Furthermore, his command to perform bowing and prostration properly entails remaining still in both postures, since it is known that they were already performing the basic act of bending down. Indeed, the command to perform them properly also requires correct alignment in both and completion of their initial and final stages. This refutes those who claim that rising from them is not obligatory, for this command was addressed to those praying behind him, and it is known that they could not finish their prayer before him.

Furthermore, Allah Most High says:

“Guard strictly your prayers, especially the middle prayer, and stand before Allah in devout obedience.”

This is a command to observe qunūt when standing before Allah. Qunūt means constant obedience to Allah, Mighty and Majestic, whether one is standing upright or prostrating. As Allah Most High says:

“Is one who is devoutly obedient during the hours of the night, prostrating and standing, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for his Lord’s mercy…”

And Allah Most High says:

“So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in their husbands’ absence what