9.

Book of Prayer

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كِتَابُ الصَّلَاةِ

Abu Humaid narrated: I heard it from ten of the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ), one of them being Abu Qatada. He said, "I am the most knowledgeable amongst you about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)." They said, "Were you the first one to accompany him or the one who followed him the most?" He said, "Yes." They said, "Show us." He said, "When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood up for prayer, he would face the Qiblah, raise his hands till they were in line with his shoulders, then he would say 'Allahu Akbar.' And when he bowed, he would say 'Allahu Akbar' and raise his hands when bowing. Then he would straighten his back and not bend his head down nor cover it. Then he would raise his head and say, 'Sami'a Allahu liman Hamidah' (Allah hears him who praises Him), and raise his hands till they were in line with his shoulders. Then he would stand straight. Then he would prostrate and place the sides of his feet facing the Qiblah. Then he would raise his head and say 'Allahu Akbar.' He would bend his left leg and sit straight till every bone returned to its place, upright. Then he would say 'Allahu Akbar.' And when he stood up from the two prostrations, he would say 'Allahu Akbar.' Then he would stand up straight. When it was the last Rak'ah in which he would finish (the prayer), he would delay his left leg and sit on his foot, leaning. Then he would say the Taslim."