In the early period, the one praying was permitted to do certain things—such as returning greetings of Salam and similar actions. However, these allowances were later abrogated. Silence and refraining from turning away became mandatory during the prayer.In this Hadith, Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to make a sign during the prayer.” That is: he would make a sign that conveyed meaning while he was in prayer, and someone outside the prayer could understand what the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) intended by his sign—whether it was to command, prohibit, return a greeting, or other such matters.It was said that what is meant by the sign here is the pointing with the index finger during the Tashahhud..