Chapter on the Manner of Prayer, Explanation of the Fifty-One Rak‘ahs; The Order, Recitation, Tasbih in Bowing and Prostration, Qunut, and What is Obligatory and Recommended Therein

Muhammad ibn Ya‘qub, from Muhammad ibn Yahya, from Ahmad ibn Muhammad, from Hammad, from Hariz, from a man, from Abu Ja‘far عليه السلام, peace be upon him, who said: I said to Him عليه السلام regarding the verse: ‘So pray to your Lord and sacrifice”’ (Surah Kawthar 108:2). He عليه السلام said: “The ‘nahr’ (sacrifice) is uprightness in standing, that one straightens his back and his neck.” And Imam عليه السلام said: “Do not place your hands on your hips (takfir), for that is what the Magians do. Do not cover your mouth (talath-thum), do not squat (ihtifaz), do not sit on your feet (iq‘aʾ), and do not spread your forearms on the ground.”