The narration is reported directly on the authority of (the wife of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with her), who observed the Prophet's private nightly devotionals.
: Classical scholars like Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen used this phrasing to demonstrate that keeping the heels touching is the established Sunnah during prostration. sahih ibn khuzaymah 654
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For the average Muslim, it is perfectly acceptable to follow the well-established general Sunnahs of prostration, including keeping the feet upright and the toes bent towards the Qibla. Bringing the heels together, as per the authentic wording of this hadith, is a practice that can be considered a valid Sunnah of the Prophet, though one should be aware of the scholarly difference of opinion regarding its establishment. The narration is reported directly on the authority