What is the proper placement of the hands on the knees (Rukbah) during bowing (Ruku)?
Chapter on the Description of Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is recommended that the one bowing places his hands upon his knees. This has been established from the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, and practiced by 'Umar, 'Ali, Sa'd, Ibn 'Umar, and a group of the Tabi'in. This is also the view of Al-Thawri, Malik, Al-Shafi'i, Ishaq, and Ahl al-Ra'y. The required minimum is the bending (in'ina') sufficient to allow the hands to touch the knees, as this action signifies exiting the standing posture and entering Ruku. The placement of the hands itself is only recommended (Mustahabb). If the knees are infirm and placement is impossible, one should bend without placing them; if only one knee is infirm, the other hand should be placed.
Supporting text
A group of the Salaf adopted the practice of Tatbiq, which is placing one palm over the other and placing them between the knees when bowing. This practice was in the early Islam but was subsequently abrogated, as indicated by Mus'ab ibn Sa'd, whose father instructed him to place his hands on the knees instead.