Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 2991 — A man who falls short in his prayer

Salim al-Barrad says: We went to the house of Sayyiduna Abu Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) and said: Teach us the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). He stood up to pray in front of us; then he bowed, placing his palms on his knees and his fingers below the knees. He kept his elbows away from his body in such a way that every limb of his body became straight. Then he raised his head and said: 'Sami' Allahu liman hamidah' (Allah hears the one who praises Him). Then he stood in such a way that every limb of his body became balanced. Then he prostrated and did the same in prostration. Then he prayed two rak'ahs. When he had finished, he said: We have seen the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) praying like this.