In our Masjid, since it was mentioned that there is greater reward when praying on the right side of the Imam, the rows (Saf) are always off balanced. Please quote the Hadiths on balancing of rows.
Question
I personally believe that it is more important to balance the Saf. Please provide the references for the Hadiths.
Answer
1. Sayyiduna Anas (Radhiallaahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Complete the front row, thereafter that which is after it. And if there is a gap, it should be in the last row.' (Sunan Abu Dawud vol.1 pg.460 Hadith No.:671; Musnad Ahmad Hadith No.:12292). This Hadith has been classified as Sahih (authentic) by Imaam ibn Khuzaymah vol.3 pg.22
2. Sayyiduna Aaisha (Radhiallaahu Anha) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Verily Allah sends his mercy and the angels pray for those who join the gaps in the rows.' (Sunan ibn Majah Hadith No.:995). This Hadith has been classified Sahih (authentic) by Imaam ibn Khuzaymah vol.3 pg.23 and Imaam ibn Hibbaan vol.5 pg.532
And in the narration of Tabrani, Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) added, 'And no person joins the gap in a Saff except that Allah raises him one stage.' (al-Targheeb vol.1 pg.322)
3. Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar (Radhiallaahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Whoever joins a gap in the row, Allah will join with him and whoever cuts up a row, Allah will cut off from him.' (Nasaaiy). Imaam ibn Khuzaymah has classified this Hadith as Sahih (authentic) vol.3 pg.23
4. Sayyiduna Abu Juhayfa (Radhiallaahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, 'Whoever fills a gap in the Saff, he will be forgiven.' (Musnad al-Bazzaar). This Hadith has been classified as Hasan (sound) by Imaam Munzhiri - Al-Targheeb vol.1 pg.322
5. Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar (Radhiallaahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) upon seeing that the left hand side of the Musjid was empty, remarked, 'Whoever occupies the left of the Musjid will be granted double reward.' (Sunan ibn Maajah Hadith No.:1007 - also see Majmauz-zawaaid vol.2 pg.94). This Hadith can be classified as Hasan (sound)
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Moulana Muhammad ibn Moulana Haroon Abbassommar
FACULTY OF SPECIALTY IN HADITH
CHECKED AND APPROVED: Mufti Ebrahim Desai
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