Standing after ruku/bowing’ (‘itidal) and sitting between prostrations are considered short integrals of the prayer. Although they are not intended integrals in and of themselves, but rather separators between long integrals, they are nevertheless integrals in our school. According to Imam Abu Hanifah, and one of two views held by Imam Malik, rising after ruku’ is not obligatory, thus, one may go directly from ruku’ to prostration without rising up and standing (Fath al-’Aziz 1:512).

In Bushra al-Karim, Sheikh Sa’id Ba’Ishn states that:

If one intentionally lengthens ‘itidal or the sitting between prostrations beyond the amount of time it takes to recite the prescribed supplications therein, which is equal to the fatiha in ‘itidal and the minimal tashahhud when sitting between prostrations, ones prayer is invalidated if one knows that such lengthening will render it nullified. [Though] Many scholars preferred the position that these are long integrals. (1:210)

In conclusion, ‘itidal and sitting between the two prostrations do not have to be shorter than ruku’ and sujud, rather, what is requires is that you do not lengthen the two short integrals beyond the limit mentioned above in Bushra al-Karim.

And Allah Knows Best

Shafi’i Fiqh Fatwa Dept.