(5) Another interpretation of this hadith is that the narrator Nu‘man ibn Bashir only intended to describe how the Companions attempted to form extremely straight rows at the instructions of the Messenger e, and not that they actually joined their feet, shoulders and ankles together. It is for this reason that the title of a chapter in Sahih al-Bukhari ‘Chapter on the Joining of the Shoulders and Feet Together Whilst Forming the Rows’ has been classified by Hafiz Ibn Hajar to be based on exaggeration. He writes in his commentary Fath al-Bari, [Imam Bukhari’s] reason for choosing this specific title is to exaggerate (mubalagha) the importance of straightening the rows and filling the gaps in between. (Fath al-Bari 2:247) This means that the narration is not to be taken literally. Imam Shawkani, who is constantly referred to by those who prefer not to follow a school of thought in Islamic jurisprudence, has not taken it for its literal interpretation either. He writes in his book Nayl al-awtar: [The statement of the Companion] means, place the parts of the body [shoulders, etc.] in line with each other, so that the shoulder of each person performing prayer is in level with the shoulder of the next person. This way everyone’s shoulders, knees and feet will be in a single straight line (Nayl al-awtar 3:65*). In clear words, this indicates that the real reason for joining the shoulders and other parts, was to straighten the rows, not that the joining itself is an obligatory act. (6) Anas t has further stated in a narration of Ma‘mar which Ibn Hajar has recorded in his Fath al-Bari, If I were to attempt this [joining the shoulders and feet together] with anybody today, they would scurry away like restive mules (Fath al-Bari 2:247). It is apparent from this statement, that even the Companions did not continue this practise after the demise of the Messenger e. If it had been a continuous action of the Messenger e [sunna mustamirra] the Companions would never have abandoned it, let alone speak of it in such a manner. (7) Once it is established that the primary reason for the Companions joining their feet together was to achieve perfect order in their rows, it can be easily understood that this joining of the feet is not required any longer, since in most of the masjids and places of worship today, the lines are well marked on the carpets, marble, and floor coverings. The worshippers by standing together with their heels on the markings will automatically come together in perfectly straight rows. There is no need to be so particular in joining the feet together to achieve this goal, let alone consider it the actual goal. For the entire discussion see Fiqh al-Imam: Key Proofs in Hanafi Fiqh, soon to be published insha Allah. Wassalam Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf