Fatwa ID: 08115

Answered by: Molana Sibghat Ullah

Question:

Due to overcrowding, my masjid has recently expanded the prayer space to the outside with carpets and a shade. However, during jamaat, I notice people joining the first saf outside when there are still 2-3 empty rows inside the masjid (presumably because they would miss the rakah if they had to join those inside or because they can leave quicker as there are spaces on the side rather than having to wait inside for latecomers to finish praying). My question is whether this is valid as there seems to be a break between the rows in the congregation. Will the salah of those praying outside (when there’s space inside the masjid) be accepted? If not, how should I approach my imam to rectify this?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

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

Answer:

It is disliked (makruh tanzihi) to initiate a new row outside the mosque when there are vacant spaces within the existing rows inside. It is against the Sunnah of maintaining continuous and complete rows in congregational prayer. Performing the prayer in such a manner is considered deficient due to the neglect of proper row arrangement[i].

To conclude, the salah of the people will be accepted, but it is better to complete the rows to get more blessings. You should discuss it with your imam to make people aware of it.

Hope this answers the question.

Reference:

[i] This likely refers to principles discussed in various Hanafi texts regarding the proper formation of rows in congregational prayer. While the specific citation is missing, the ruling aligns with the general emphasis on completing the front rows first and maintaining continuous rows without gaps. You can consult reliable Hanafi fiqh books for detailed explanations.

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Molana Sibghat Ullah

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

Radd ul muhtar ala al-Durr ul mukhtar, Volume 2, Book of salah, Page 334, Dar al-kutub al-Ilmiyyah.

يكره تنزيهاً أن يقف وحده خلف الصف مع وجود فرجة في الصفوف، وصلاته صحيحة مع الكراهة.

It is mildly disliked (makruh tanzihi) for an individual to stand alone behind the row when there is a gap in the rows; his prayer is valid but accompanied by dislike.