"We came to Abu Mas'ud and said to him: 'Tell us about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).' He stood in front of us and said the takbir, then when he bowed he placed his palms on his knees and put his fingers lower than that, and he held his elbows out from his sides until every part of him had settled. Then he said: Sami' Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana wa lakal-hamd (Allah hears those who praise Him, our Lord, and to You be the praise), then he stood up until every part of him had settled."
The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together)
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 1036
Hadith Text
"We came to Abu Mas'ud and said to him: 'Tell us about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).' He stood in front of us and said the takbir, then when he bowed he placed his palms on his knees and put his fingers lower than that, and he held his elbows out from his sides until every part of him had settled. Then he said: Sami' Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana wa lakal-hamd (Allah hears those who praise Him, our Lord, and to You be the praise), then he stood up until every part of him had settled."
Commentary on Ruku' (Bowing)
The hadith demonstrates the proper form of ruku' as practiced by the Prophet (ﷺ). Placing palms firmly on knees with fingers spread below creates stability. Holding elbows away from sides ensures proper spinal alignment and prevents slouching, allowing complete submission in bowing.
Tuma'ninah (Calmness and Composure)
The phrase "until every part of him had settled" emphasizes tuma'ninah - remaining calm and composed in each prayer position. This is a fundamental pillar (rukn) of prayer, requiring each bone to return to its place before transitioning to the next position.
Dhikr in Ruku' and Qiyam
The specific wording "Sami' Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana wa lakal-hamd" shows the Prophetic practice of acknowledging Allah's response to praise and offering complete gratitude. The pause after rising from ruku' until full stability demonstrates that qiyam (standing) is a distinct prayer position requiring its own composure.
Pedagogical Method
Abu Mas'ud's practical demonstration rather than mere verbal description reflects the Prophetic teaching methodology - showing actions physically ensures accurate transmission and eliminates ambiguity in understanding religious practices.