How is it possible to reconcile the Hadith of Aisha regarding pressing the heels together in prostration with the Hadith of Al-Baraa concerning the Prophet’s — peace and blessings be upon him — spreading his thighs apart (tafaj) and facing his toes towards the Qiblah, and what is the meaning of Al-Baraa's Hadith and how is it applied?

Scholars have differed regarding separating or joining the feet during prostration (sujud). Some have recommended separating them, citing the hadith of Al-Bara' bin 'Azib: "When he prostrated, he would point his toes towards the Qiblah and spread his thighs apart." Others have preferred joining them, citing the hadith of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, had his heels pressed together, and that she touched his feet while they were upright and joined. The two opinions can be reconciled by acting upon each of them at times, or by separating them sometimes and joining them at other times.