—he could have numbered them, so deliberate was the Prophet’s manner of speaking.

In the same way, a Muslim should make sure that his own words do not run together so badly that they leave the listener confused, for the whole purpose of speech is to convey meaning to the one addressed. The closer the words are to clear understanding, the better and more fitting they become.

Moreover, when a person adopts this method—making his statements distinct and lucid and repeating them up to three times for someone who has not yet understood—he should be keenly aware that by doing so he is following the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. With that awareness he will gain reward and enable his fellow believer to grasp the message.

The same principle applies to every sunnah: always keep in mind that you are imitating the Messenger ﷺ, and true adherence will be achieved.