The Meaning of the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) Feet Cracking

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, it was mentioned to us that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) stood in prayer until his feet cracked. What is the correct meaning of the word “cracked” (taftatart): does it mean they swelled or that they split?

Answer:
Both: his feet (peace and blessings be upon him) swelled and split from the length of standing. It is reported in the authentic collections that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) stood in prayer at night, and Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman (may Allah be pleased with him) stood with him, praying with him. He began reciting Surat al-Baqarah, and Hudhayfah thought to himself, “He will bow at the hundredth verse.” Then the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) continued until he finished it, then he recited Surat al-Nisa in its entirety, then he recited Surat Ali Imran. He recited Surat Ali Imran, five parts and more, in two rak’ahs. Hudhayfah said, “I was about to sit down and leave him in two rak’ahs. How is his prayer in the night, all of it?” Yes, no one can keep up with the prayer of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). Yes.

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh.

Answer:
His recitation was measured, not rushed. No, he would pause at every verse, supplicating at a verse of mercy and seeking refuge with Allah at a verse of punishment. Yes.