This final explanation is the one we deem preferable, following al-Nawawi in his Sharh Muslim. The Prophet ﷺ did it only to show that it is permissible, and that leaving the toes upright—although unanimously recommended—is at times allowed. Many similar cases exist, especially in the laws of prayer, as we have mentioned earlier in this work. (1) From the hadith of Abd Allah b. al-Zubayr. Muslim records it (1/90) through Abu Khalid al-Ahmar, from Ibn Ajlan, from Amir b. Abd Allah b. al-Zubayr, from his father: “When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ sat to supplicate, he placed his right hand on his right thigh, his left hand on his left thigh, pointed with his forefinger, put his thumb on his middle finger, and pressed the palm of his left hand against his knee.” ʿUthman b. Hakim reports it from Amir as well, but without the phrase “and pressed the palm of his left hand.” Its wording has already been cited above (pp. 981–982). ʿAmr b. Dinar corroborates it with the wording: “He saw the Prophet ﷺ supplicating in this manner while leaning with his left hand on his left leg.” Reported by Abu Dawud (1/156), al-Nasaʾi (1/187) and al-Bayhaqi (2/131–132) with an authentic chain. It is also related by al-Tabarani in al-Kabir and by Abu Awana (2/225–226).