applying them. This has been explained on the grounds that it was the practice of the Jews in their prayer, and we are forbidden from imitating the disbelievers, Jews and others, especially in religious rites. For their religions have been abrogated by the law of Muhammad ﷺ; therefore, it is not permissible to imitate them, whether in acts of worship or otherwise.

Yet many people mention that, when they close their eyes, they are more humble and focused in prayer. This is from Satan: he makes him feel more humble when he closes his eyes so that he will commit this disliked act. If he disciplined himself, kept his eyes open, and strove to attain humility and attentiveness, that would be better.

But if it were supposed that there is something before you such that you cannot keep your eyes open in its presence because it distracts you, then there is no harm in closing them to the extent needed. Without a need, however, it is disliked, as the author stated. Do not be deceived by what Satan casts into your heart—that if you close your eyes, you will become more humble and focused.

And sitting in the manner of iqʿāʾ, ...........

His statement, “and sitting in the manner of iqʿāʾ,” means that it is disliked for one praying to sit in this manner, because the Prophet ﷺ forbade sitting like a dog (1), and because a person cannot remain settled while sitting in this manner, as it is tiring.

Sitting in the manner of iqʿāʾ takes several forms:

The first is to lay one’s feet flat—meaning, to place their upper sides upon the ground—and then sit upon one’s heels. This is disliked for the following reason:

First: because, in some respects, it resembles the way a dog sits.