By Abu Bilaal Abdulrazaq bn Bello bn Oare

Introduction

Have you ever noticed an L-shaped congregation in prayer, with worshippers standing only on one side of the imam? This common misalignment occurs because many Muslims misunderstand how to arrange the rows, but the Prophet ﷺ taught a clear way to stand shoulder to shoulder in perfect balance — and it’s simpler than you think.

Standing shoulder to shoulder in perfect rows is one of the most striking images of Muslim unity during prayer. Yet, despite this beauty, misunderstandings about how to arrange the rows are common — especially regarding the hadith that encourages filling the rows from the right. Some congregations begin forming rows from the extreme right side of the mosque, even when the imam stands alone in the middle, creating imbalance.

The Prophet’s Guidance on Completing the Rows

The Prophet ﷺ said:

«أَتِمُّوا الصُّفُوفَ الأُوَلَ، ثُمَّ الَّذِي يَلِيهِ، وَمَا كَانَ مِنْ نُقْصَانٍ فَلْيَكُنْ فِي الصَّفِّ الْمُؤَخَّرِ، وَمَا كَانَ مِنْ نُقْصَانٍ فَلْيَكُنْ مِنْ شِقِّ الْيَمِينِ»

“Atimmu aṣ-ṣufūfa al-ūlā, thumma alladhī yalīhi, wamā kāna min nuqṣānin falyakun fī aṣ-ṣaffil-mu’akhkhar, wamā kāna min nuqṣānin falyakun min shiqqi al-yamīn.”

“Complete the front rows, then those that come after them, and whatever remains incomplete should be from the right side.”
(Abū Dāwūd, no. 671; al-Nasā’ī, no. 818 – graded ḥasan)

This hadith encourages giving preference to the right side when completing ranks. Importantly, it does not mean the row should start from the far right corner of the mosque. Rather, after the imam is centered, the next worshippers fill from his immediate right, then to his left.

The Imam’s Central Position

It is authentically reported that the Prophet ﷺ always stood at the middle of the row, and his Companions arranged themselves symmetrically behind him.

Al-Barā’ ibn ‘Āzib (RA) said:

«كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ يَقُومُ فِي الْمُصَلَّى مُنْتَصَفًا»

“Kāna Rasūlullāh ﷺ yaqūmu fī al-muṣallā muntaṣafan.”

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to stand in the middle of the row.”
(Abū Dāwūd, no. 673)

Maintaining the imam at the center is part of the Sunnah. The rows should extend evenly to the right and left, ensuring the congregation remains balanced.

Reconciling Both Teachings

The correct understanding is as follows:

1. The imām stands at the center of the prayer area.
2. The first worshippers stand directly behind the imām, forming the middle of the first row.
3. As others arrive, they should complete the row from the imām’s immediate right side and to his left, keeping the imam centralized, and continue in that manner until the row is filled evenly toward the outward right and left.

Thus, “filling from the right” begins from the imam’s right side, not from the far right corner of the mosque.

The Practical Understanding in Open Spaces

This arrangement is particularly clear and practical in prayer areas without side walls, such as open-field grounds used for Eid or Jumu‘ah prayers.

In such cases, starting from the far right would be unrealistic and impractical. Worshippers naturally form rows behind the imam, extending outward to the right and left — which aligns perfectly with the Prophet ﷺ’s guidance.

The Wisdom and Beauty Behind the Sunnah Arrangement

Following this balanced arrangement ensures:

• The imam remains the central focal point.
• Rows are symmetrical, straight, and orderly.
• The congregation avoids confusion and imbalance.
• Unity and equality of the Ummah are visibly reflected.

Imām an-Nawawī (رحمه الله) said:

“It is Sunnah that the imām stand in the middle of the row, and that the rows behind him be straight and even from both sides.”
(Al-Majmū‘, 4/298)

Ibn Qudāmah (رحمه الله) wrote:

“It is recommended that the imām stand in the middle of the row, and that the people align themselves evenly behind him.”
(Al-Mughnī, 2/218)

Conclusion

The Sunnah teaches us to begin rows behind the imam, keep him centralized, and fill outward starting from his right side. Starting from the extreme right corner of the masjid is not in line with the Prophet ﷺ’s practice.

By following this arrangement, we preserve the beauty, order, and unity of our congregational prayers, earning the pleasure of Allah who loves that we stand in harmony for His remembrance.

{إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِهِ صَفًّا كَأَنَّهُم بُنْيَانٌ مَّرْصُوصٌ}
“Indeed, Allah loves those who fight in His cause in ranks, as though they are a solid structure.”
(Qur’ān 61:4)

May Allah guide us to perfect our prayers, align our rows as the Prophet ﷺ did, and grant us the reward of those who perfect their worship.

Abu Bilaal Abdulrazaq bn Bello bn Oare
sahaabah@aol.com