Fatwa ID: 06700

Answered by: Maulana Burhaan Rahman

Question:

Did the prophet saw always walk on the right? Asking as I was having a conversation with a brother whilst walking to the Masjid. The pathway from my house is on the left side so I walk that way all the time normally.  This brother told me to walk on the right side as that’s what the prophet saw did. He was adamant that it was a Sunnah to walk on the right to the masjid and not use the left side at all.

I didn’t want to say anything in that instance out of respect, but thought I’d enquire about it.  Is it an actual thing or is it counted as bid’ah?

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

Answer:

Matters like this shouldn’t be looked into too much if there is no evidence from the Hadeeth. We should refrain from using words like bid’ah at will.

There is no mention of the prophet (SAW) or the companions walking on the right-hand side of the road as a constant action etc.

But what is mentioned regarding our beloved prophet (SAW)’s walking is:

إِذَا مَشَى تَكَفَّأَ تَكَفُّؤًا كَأَنَّمَا انْحَطَّ مِنْ صَبَبٍ لَمْ أَرَ قَبْلَهُ وَلا بَعْدَهُ مثله

When he walked, he would lean forward, as if he was walking downhill. I have never seen anyone like him, before or since. [Tirmidhi Hadeeth no: 3570]

But what can be done, is that one can walk on the right-hand side of the road if they want to as our beloved prophet (SAW) loved doing things from the right/right-hand side etc. in general.

Aa’ishah (RA) states:

كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يُعْجِبُهُ التَّيَمُّنُ فِي تَنَعُّلِهِ وَتَرَجُّلِهِ وَطُهُورِهِ وَفِي شَأْنِهِ كُلِّهِ

The prophet (SAW) used to like to start from the right side by wearing shoes, combing his hair and cleaning or washing and doing anything else. [Bukhari Hadeeth no: 168]

May Allah SWT bless us with the love of his prophet(s) and his companions!

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Maulana Burhaan Rahman

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham