Which is better: prolonging the standing (qiyam) or increasing the number of rak'ahs?

Scholars have differed regarding the preferred balance between prolonged standing (qiyam) and frequent bowing and prostration (ruku' and sujood) in prayer, falling into three main opinions:

1. Prolonging the standing is better. They cited the hadith of Al-Mughirah ibn Shu'bah, which states that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to stand until his feet swelled. 2. Frequent bowing and prostration are better. They cited the hadith of Abu Hurairah: "The closest a servant is to his Lord is when he is prostrating." 3. Both are equal. They cited the hadith of Hudhayfah concerning the Prophet's night prayer, where his bowing and prostration were close in length to his standing.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah preferred the opinion that both are equal, explaining that standing is distinguished by recitation, which is superior to dhikr (remembrance) and du'a (supplication), while prostration itself is superior to standing. The best approach is for the prayer to be balanced, so if the standing is prolonged, the bowing and prostration should also be prolonged.