902 - Muhammad ibn Abi Hazm narrated to us, saying: 'Abd al-A'la narrated to us, saying: Khalid al-Hadhdha' narrated, from Anas ibn Sirin, that Ibn 'Umar was asked about recitation behind the imam, and he replied: "The imam's recitation is sufficient for you."

Chapter: Placing the Hands during Prostration

• I asked Ahmad ibn Hanbal, saying: A man wishes to lengthen his prostration, but he is unable to keep his arms apart (tajafi); may he place his elbows on his thighs and draw himself in? He replied: "No, but he should keep his arms apart."

• I said to Ahmad: What about the hadith of Ibn 'Umar; does its meaning refer to using the hands to assist on the knees? He said: "[This is done] when he rises from prostration."

903 - Muhammad ibn al-Wazir al-Dimashqi narrated to us, saying: Al-Walid ibn Muslim narrated to us, saying: I said to Abu 'Amr al-Awza'i and Sa'id ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz—while they were in a gathering—: "Dawud ibn Qays narrated to me, from Zayd ibn Aslam, who said: The Muslims complained to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) about the struggle/strain in prayer, so he said: 'Seek assistance from the knees'?" They both replied: "Yes, this is for voluntary prayer (tatawwu'). When 'Abd Allah ibn 'Umar would grow weary of keeping his arms apart (al-ijtinah) during his prostration in his voluntary prayer, he would place his elbows on his thighs and spread his palms upon the ground, but he would not spread his forearms upon the ground."