Moulana Jalaluddin Rumi (R.A.) narrates a story in his Mathnavi; an incident which occurred during the time of Rasulullah(sallallahu alayhi wasallam):

Once, after having performed wudhu, Rasulullah(sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was about to wear his leather sock when an eagle came along, snatched it and flew away. Nabi (sallallu alayhi wasallam) was most distressed as he was preparing for Salaah.

In a short while, the eagle returned and turned the sock upside down, towards the ground, causing a snake that was inside, to fall out.

The eagle then presented the sock to Rasulullah(sallallahu alayhi wasallam)and addressed him:

"O Rasulullah(sallallahu alayhi wasallam)! The reason for me having taken the sock was that there was a snake hidden inside it. Otherwise I would never harm you, for Allah Ta'ala has ordered me to protect you. It was on account of the snake that I flew off with the sock.”