Fatwa ID: 06491

Answered by: Mufti Muhammad Asadullah Anwar Adam

Question:

What does the imam say before salah about straightening the rows?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

Anas bin Malik (R.A) narrated that: Once the Iqama was pronounced and Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) faced us and said, “Straighten your rows and stand closer together, for I see you from behind my back.’ [1]

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Straighten your rows or Allah will alter your faces.” [2]

There are many differing hadith from the Prophet about what he would say to straighten the rows, as such there is no one specific statement the imam must utter, rather he should ask for the rows to be straightened in a concise manner that those following him will understand because the purpose of his asking is to ensure the rows are straightened.

[1][Sahih Bukhari 719]

[2][Sahih Bukhari 717]

Only Allah knows the best

Written by Mufti Muhammad Asadullah Anwar Adam

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham