SAEDNEWS: Ruku (bowing) is one of the essential parts of prayer. It is generally performed once in each unit (rak‘ah) of prayer. In this article, we will explore the views of leading Islamic scholars regarding how much a person should bend when performing ruku during prayer.
According to Saednews, After reciting the required verses in each rakʿah, the worshipper must perform rukuʿ (bowing). The person should bend forward enough that they could place their hands on their knees. It is also sufficient if the fingertips reach the knees. As a recommended precaution, the hands should be placed on the knees while in rukuʿ.
Question: Is it also necessary for women to place their hands on their knees during rukuʿ?
Answer: According to Ayatollah Khamenei, it is recommended for women to place their hands on their thighs, above the knees, while performing rukuʿ.
According to Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi, rukuʿ is obligatory in every rakʿah after recitation. A person should bend sufficiently so that they could place the palms of their hands on their knees. As a recommended precaution, the palms should be placed on the knees.
According to Ayatollah Sistani, it is recommended for women to place their hands above their knees during rukuʿ and not push their knees backward.
Related: Each rakʿah of prayer consists of standing (qiyam), one rukuʿ, and two prostrations (sajdahs).
