In another hadith, placing one leg over the other is prohibited, yet here he did so. How is this reconciled?
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The questioner : It is reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in another hadith that he .
The Shaykh : Yes, this is if he fears the exposure of his private parts; it is understood to apply when one fears the exposure of his private parts. Now, if someone were to say: Placing one leg over the other is not problematic, but if a person spreads his legs while lying down, which is more comfortable?
The questioner : It varies from person to person.
The Shaykh : The second option is generally more comfortable. For this reason, some people find complete comfort when they spread their legs while lying down, with their hands like this; they find great comfort. Yes, but it is said that each person is according to his own condition; one may also find comfort in placing one leg over the other. Furthermore, placing one leg over the other may become necessary if it serves to cover one's private parts, such as if the lower garment is narrow.
If the lower garment is narrow and one spreads his legs, it will bunch up above, and part of his private parts will become exposed.
He prohibited placing one leg over the other while lying down.
نهى عن وضع إحدى الرجلين على الأخرى في حال الاستلقاءThe Shaykh : Yes, this is if he fears the exposure of his private parts; it is understood to apply when one fears the exposure of his private parts. Now, if someone were to say: Placing one leg over the other is not problematic, but if a person spreads his legs while lying down, which is more comfortable?
The questioner : It varies from person to person.
The Shaykh : The second option is generally more comfortable. For this reason, some people find complete comfort when they spread their legs while lying down, with their hands like this; they find great comfort. Yes, but it is said that each person is according to his own condition; one may also find comfort in placing one leg over the other. Furthermore, placing one leg over the other may become necessary if it serves to cover one's private parts, such as if the lower garment is narrow.
If the lower garment is narrow and one spreads his legs, it will bunch up above, and part of his private parts will become exposed.