The Shafi‘i jurists, Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Dawud al-Zahiri, and the majority of scholars adopt the view that the i‘tidal (return to full uprightness after bowing) is an indispensable pillar; the prayer is invalid without it. Al-Majmu‘ (3/419) states: “Abu Hanifah held that it is not obligatory; if a worshipper were to move straight from ruku‘ (bowing) to sujud (prostration), the prayer would still suffice. From Malik there are two transmissions, one agreeing with each of these positions. Those who dispense with i‘tidal cite the divine command, ‘Bow and prostrate’ (Q 22:77), while our school argues from the hadith of ‘the man who prayed badly’. The noble verse does not contradict that hadith, and further support comes from the Prophet’s instruction: ‘Pray as you have seen me pray.’”