Answered by Shaykh Amjad Rasheed
What is the proof of keeping a hand span of space between one’s feet in the Shafi`i school when praying? Are there any specific hadith about it?
I have not seen a hadith about this exclusively, that specifies a hand span. What our imams have mentioned about a hand span is a case of legal preference (istihsan); meaning that which seems appropriate for the outward form of one praying, such that his feet should not touch or be close to touching. They should also not be spread apart so much that negates the perfection of the position, as is plain. And Allah knows best.
Amjad Rasheed
[Translated by Sr. Shazia Ahmad]