Skip to main content

Complete the front row first, then the one following it. If there is any deficiency (in the rows), let it be in the last row

Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Complete the front row first, then the one following it. If there is any deficiency (in the rows), let it be in the last row."

GradingAuthentic
AttributionNarrated by Abu Dāwūd and Al-Nasā’i
Download for AndroidDownload for iOS

Explanation

The Prophet (ﷺ) commanded the men praying in congregation to complete the first row, then to complete the row behind it, and so on. If there is any deficiency in a row, let that deficiency be in the last row.

Lessons

  • Clarification of the Sunnah regarding straightening the rows (in prayer).
  • Worshippers should not leave gaps in the front rows; rather, any deficiency should be in the last row.

Topics

Browse the Jurisprudence and Juristic Principles section

Related hadiths