Hadith Text & Reference

"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'No prayer is valid in which a man does not maintain his back (at ease) when bowing and prostrating.'"

Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1111 | Book: The Book of The At-Tatbiq (Clasping One's Hands Together) | Author: Imam an-Nasa'i

Meaning & Significance

This hadith establishes that proper physical stillness (tuma'ninah) during the bowing (ruku') and prostration (sujood) positions is a fundamental pillar (rukn) of the prayer. Without it, the prayer is invalid.

"Maintain his back (at ease)" means to hold the position calmly and steadily for a duration sufficient to recite the prescribed dhikr, such as "Subhana Rabbiyal-'Adheem" in ruku' and "Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la" in sujood, without rushing.

Scholarly Commentary

The scholars of jurisprudence (fuqaha') explain that this hadith highlights the condition of tuma'ninah—a state of tranquility where each bone settles in its place. This is not merely a recommendation but an obligatory component.

Imam Ash-Shafi'i and Imam Ahmad held that neglecting this stillness invalidates the prayer, as it constitutes abandoning a pillar. The back must be straightened parallel to the ground in ruku', not bent, and the body must be still in sujood, with the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes firmly placed.

This ruling ensures the prayer is performed with the prescribed reverence (khushoo'), distinguishing it from a mere sequence of hasty movements, and fulfills the command to "bow and prostrate properly."