Abu Uthman Nahdi narrates that a letter from Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) came to us. At that time, we were in Azerbaijan with Utbah bin Farqad (may Allah be pleased with him). (The letter stated) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) has prohibited the use of silk (for men) except for this much, and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) indicated its amount with the two fingers next to his thumb. Abu Uthman Nahdi narrated that it seemed to us that by this, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) meant (the allowance of) making floral designs of silk (on garments, etc.).