Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah

Salim bin Barad narrated that we came to Abu Mas'ud and said to teach us the prayer of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. He said Allahu Akbar, then bowed, then placed his hands on his knees, and then said that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prayed like this.

Hazrat Wa'il bin Hujr narrates that I was among those who came to the service of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and I said in my heart that I will certainly observe the way of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). So I observed that when he intended to go into ruku (bowing), he raised both his hands, then performed ruku, then placed both his hands on his knees.

Hazrat Rifa’ah bin Rafi’ narrates that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said to a man: When you face the Qiblah, say the Takbeer and recite whatever you wish from the Noble Qur’an. Then, when you go into Ruku’, place your palms on your knees and perform Ruku’ with calmness.

Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) performed ruku, he would place his hands on his knees.

Hazrat Aswad narrates that I saw Hazrat Umar placing his hands on his knees while performing rukū‘ (bowing).

Hazrat Abu Ma'mar narrates that when Hazrat Umar would perform ruku, he used to place his hands on his knees.

Hazrat Mus'ab bin Sa'd narrates that I was praying next to my father, and I placed both my hands between my knees. He struck my hands and said, "We used to do the same before, then we were commanded to place our hands on our knees."

Hazrat Khaythamah narrates that Hazrat Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) used to place his hands on his knees when performing rukū‘ (bowing).

Hazrat Tariq bin Shihab narrates that during the Battle of Qadisiyyah, an Ansari companion stood among us and said that when a person wishes to perform ruku (bowing), he should place his hands on his knees and bend well until the lower part of his back becomes elevated.

Hazrat Ka'b says that when you perform ruku, keep your face towards the Qibla and place both hands on your knees. And do not lower your head so much that it goes below your back like the head of a donkey.

Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: When you perform ruku, place your palms on your knees, straighten your back, and do not raise your head above your back nor lower it below your back. Do not spread it too much nor contract it completely.

Hazrat Hisham bin Urwah narrates that when my father would perform ruku, he would place his hands on his knees.

Hazrat Hasan bin Ubaidullah says that I saw Ibrahim placing his hands on his knees during bowing (ruku).

1) Hazrat Musa bin Nafi' says that I saw Hazrat Sa'id bin Jubair placing his hands on his knees in ruku.

Hazrat Umar says that it has been prescribed as Sunnah for you to hold your knees in Ruku, so you should hold them.

Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) says that when you perform ruku, if you wish, place your hands on your knees, and if you wish, place them one over the other between both knees.