I asked 'A'isha how the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) did in the two rak'ahs as he (observed them) sitting. She said: He would recite (the Qur'an) in them, and when he intended to bow, he would stand up and then bowed.
The Book of Prayer - Travellers
Sahih Muslim 731 d
Hadith Commentary
This narration from the Mother of Believers, 'A'isha, elucidates the procedure for performing the two rak'ahs of voluntary prayer while sitting due to incapacity. The Prophet (ﷺ) would commence the prayer in a seated position, reciting the Fatihah and additional Qur'anic verses as normal.
The significant ruling derived is that when transitioning to ruku' (bowing), he would rise to stand, then perform the bowing position. This demonstrates that the standing position for ruku' remains preferred even when the prayer is primarily offered sitting, provided one has the physical capacity to stand momentarily.
Scholars interpret this as reflecting the principle of maintaining the prayer's completeness whenever possible. The act of standing for ruku' preserves the fundamental structure of the prayer while accommodating the legitimate excuse for sitting during recitation.
Juridical Rulings
This hadith establishes that one who prays sitting may stand for ruku' if able, and this is considered superior. However, if completely unable to stand, the entire prayer may be performed sitting with gestures for bowing and prostration.
The ruling applies particularly to voluntary prayers (nawafil) where greater flexibility is permitted. For obligatory prayers, stricter conditions apply regarding standing when capable.