is straightforward: the reports negating movement refer to continuous movement, whereas those affirming movement refer to moving it when supplicating. Thus, whenever you supplicate, move it, indicating the loftiness of the One being invoked—exalted is He. On this basis, we say:
“Peace be upon you, O Prophet” is accompanied by a gesture, because this greeting is a statement carrying the meaning of supplication. “Peace be upon us” is accompanied by a gesture. “O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad” is accompanied by a gesture. “O Allah, bless Muhammad” is accompanied by a gesture. “I seek refuge in Allah from the punishment of Hell” is accompanied by a gesture; “and from the punishment of the grave” is accompanied by a gesture; “and from the tribulation of life and death” is accompanied by a gesture; and “from the tribulation of the False Messiah” is accompanied by a gesture. Whenever you supplicate, gesture, indicating the loftiness of the One whom you supplicate—exalted is He. This is closer to the sunnah.
“And he spreads out his left hand, …”
His statement, “and he spreads out his left hand,” means that he spreads its fingers upon his left thigh, because he said earlier, “and his hands are upon his thighs.”
“And he says: ‘All greetings are for Allah, and all prayers and pure words, …’”
His statement, “and he says: ‘All greetings are for Allah …,’” means that he says it with his tongue while reflecting upon it with his heart. Is it a condition that he hear himself?
There is a previously mentioned difference of opinion concerning this (1). According to the established legal school, he must hear himself when reciting al-Fātiḥah and every obligatory remembrance.
His statement, “All greetings are for Allah”: “greetings” is the plural of “greeting,” and a greeting is an expression of veneration. Thus, every expression that denotes veneration is a greeting. The definite article conveys generality, and the word is plural because its kinds vary. As for its individual instances, they are without limit. That is, every kind of greeting is for Allah, and the lām here denotes entitlement.