I say: This is problematic, for on that explanation no space would remain between him and the wall for the Messenger of Allah to prostrate. The sound position is al-Nawawi’s statement in his Sharh Muslim: “By musalla he meant the spot of prostration.” On this basis, Abu Dawud’s version is a paraphrase rather than a verbatim wording. Al-Baghawi said: “The scholars have recommended drawing close to one’s sutrah so that only the space needed for prostration lies between the worshipper and it, and likewise between the two rows. A specific command has come concerning such closeness.” He then cited the hadith that follows in the main text. (1) Reported by Ibn Khuzaymah in his Sahih (1/93/1 = 2/9–10/800) with a good chain. (2) That is, the sutrah prevents Satan from distracting the worshipper and gaining control over him. Shaykh Ali al-Qari (1/491) said: “From this it is understood that the sutrah stops Satan from dominating the worshipper and from seizing his heart with whisperings, either wholly or in part, according to the sincerity of the worshipper and his concentration on Allah during prayer; while its absence enables Satan to divert him from the humility, submission, and reflection upon recitation and remembrance that he seeks. Observe, then, how following the sunnah yields abundant benefits.” (3) Related by Abu Dawud (1/111), al-Nasa’i (1/122), al-Tahawi (1/365), al-Hakim (1/251), and al-Bayhaqi (2/272) through Sufyan ibn Uyaynah, from Safwan ibn Sulaym, from Nafiʿ ibn Jubayr, from Suhayl ibn Abi Hathmah, as a marfuʿ report.