His wording in this version, “twenty-one,” stands in opposition to the previous wording, “twenty.” Moreover, his statement here—“I supposed,” meaning “I thought”—shows that Ibn Khuṣayfah was uncertain about the number and narrated it on conjecture rather than certainty, for he had not memorized it well. That consideration alone suffices to set aside any argument based on this figure; how much more so when it is coupled with his contradiction of a transmitter whose retention is superior, as noted in the first point. The next consideration strengthens this further:

Third: Muḥammad ibn Yūsuf is the nephew of al-Sāʾib ibn Yazīd, as mentioned earlier. By virtue of this close relationship, he was more familiar with al-Sāʾib’s narration than others and preserved it more accurately. Therefore, the number he reports is weightier than the figure transmitted by his counterpart, Ibn Khuṣayfah. This is supported as well by ʿĀʾishah’s earlier report that the Prophet ﷺ never exceeded eleven rakʿahs. Interpreting ʿUmar’s practice—may Allah be pleased with him—as aligning with the Prophet’s sunnah is better and more fitting than suggesting it diverged from it. This is plain and needs no further elaboration, Allah willing. ⦗59⦘