Hadith 210

Narrated Abu Hurairah (RA): The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "When you get up to pray, perform ablution perfectly, then face the Qiblah and say: 'Allahu Akbar' (Allah is the Most Great). Then recite a convenient portion of the Qur'an; then bow and remain calmly in that position for a moment, then rise up and stand erect; then prostrate and remain calmly in that position for a moment, then rise up and sit calmly, then prostrate and remain calmly in that position for a moment; then do that throughout your prayer." [Reported by as-Sab'a and the wording is that of al-Bukhari]. The narration of Ibn Majah through a chain of Muslim has: "Then rise up and stand erect calmly." And in the narration of Ibn Hibban and Ahmad the Hadith of Rifa'a bin Rafi' bin Malik is similar to the above. And Ahmad has: "Keep your back straight till the bones return (to their positions)." And in the narration of an-Nasa'i and Abu Dawud from the Hadith of Rifa'a bin Rafi': "The Salat (prayer) of one of you will not be complete until he performs Wudu' (ablution) properly as Allah commanded him, then he says Allahu Akbar and Alhamdu lillah and praises Him." It is also mentionmed in the same Hadith, "If you know any portion of the Qur'an, read it or else say: Alhamdu lillah, Allahu Akbar and La ilaha ill-Allah." And Abu Dawud has "Then read the Ummul-Qur'an (i.e. Surah al-Fatiha) and what ever Allah wishes". Ibn Hibban also has: "and then (read) whatever you wish."