What does the ma'mum do if the prostration is prolonged behind his imam?

Question : But what does he do if the prostration is prolonged, such as when he is behind an imam who prolongs the prostration? What does he do? Does he place his arms on the ground and lean on the ground? Or what does he do?

Answer : We say: No, he does not lean on the ground, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade that. He said: "None of you should spread his arms like a dog." So where does he place them? The scholars (may Allah have mercy on them) said: He relies on his knees, meaning he places the end of his elbow on his knee if the length of the prostration is difficult for him. This is when he is with an imam. But if he is praying alone, he should not burden himself or make it difficult for himself. Rather, if it becomes difficult and tiresome for him, he stands up. It is not befitting for a person to make things difficult for himself, because Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) has made things easy for His servants.