What is the method and manner of drawing one's hand close to oneself to alleviate fear, and is that specific to Moses, or for every person, as stated in His — Exalted be He — saying: "And draw your hand close to your side to avert fear"?

Allah commanded Moses to "ضم جناحه" (draw in his hand/arm). The word "جناح" (wing/flank) here refers to the hand, so that his soul might calm and his fear subside. Mujahid and Ibn Zayd said: Allah commanded him to draw his upper arm and forearm close to his side so that his fright would thereby diminish, because it is characteristic of a person who does this in a moment of fright that his heart is strengthened.

Al-Thawri said: Moses feared that something evil had befallen him, so Allah commanded him to return his hand to his side so it would return to its original state, and he would know that it was not evil but rather a sign from Allah.

Al-Zamakhshari said in Al-Kashshaf: Moses was terrified and agitated when the staff turned into a serpent, and he warded it off with his hand. So Allah commanded him to put his hand under his armpit and bring it out white, so that two things would be achieved: avoiding disgrace and displaying another miracle.

The intended meaning of "جناح" is the hand, because a person's hands are like the wings of a bird.

The second meaning of "جناح" is self-control and self-restraint, and firmness when the staff turned into a serpent, so that he would not become agitated or terrified.

And "من الرهب" (from fright) means for the sake of fright, i.e., if fear afflicts you upon seeing the serpent, then draw your hand/arm close to you. So, He made the fear that afflicted him a cause and reason for His command to draw in his hand/arm. And this effect in alleviating fear applies to every person, as is evident from Mujahid's statement.