Ibn Majah

Benefits and Issues:
(1)
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) preferred the right side in every action that is naturally or legally commendable. The statement of Aisha (radi Allahu anha) is: The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) liked to begin with the right side in all his affairs, such as performing ablution (wudu), combing his hair, and putting on his shoes. (Sahih al-Bukhari, al-Wudu, Chapter: The Preference for the Right Side in Ablution and Ritual Bath (ghusl), Hadith: 168; and Sahih Muslim, al-Taharah, Chapter: The Preference for the Right Side in Purification and Other Matters, Hadith: 268)

In light of this hadith, when standing in prayer, one may also try, as much as possible, to stand on the right side. However, this narration is reported in Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, Musnad Ahmad, and Sunan al-Bayhaqi, etc., with the following wording: (إِنَّ اللهَ وَمَلاَئِكَتُهُ يُصَلُّوْنَ عَلَي الَّذِيْنَ يَصِلُوْنَ الصَّفُوْفَ) — Allah bestows mercy upon those who join the rows, and the angels supplicate for them.

And according to Imam al-Bayhaqi, Shaykh al-Albani rahimahullah, and the researchers of Musnad Ahmad, this narration is preserved and authentic with these very words. That is, according to them, in this hadith, instead of (مَیَامِنَ الصَّفُوف) it is (يَصِلُونَ الصَّفُوف) that is established.

See: (Tamam al-Minnah, p. 288; Da‘if Sunan Abi Dawud, no. 676; and al-Mawsu‘ah al-Hadithiyyah (Musnad Ahmad), vol. 40/444, hadith no. 24381)

Accordingly, this hadith establishes the virtue of joining the rows, not the virtue of standing on the right side of the imam, which means that standing on the right or left side of the imam is equal. The real virtue lies in properly arranging the rows. However, the general virtue of the right side in every matter may make standing on the right side of the imam a cause of merit. And Allah knows best.

676. Commentary:
A Muslim should strive for and be eager to attain a position of virtue so that he may become deserving of special mercies and the supplications of the angels. It should be kept in mind that the left side of the imam should also not be neglected so that "the alignment of the rows" is maintained. The reward and virtue are also connected to one's intention. If a person is able to stand on the right side of the imam, but upon seeing that the left side is empty, he stands on that side, then, insha Allah, he will not be deprived of the aforementioned reward and virtue. «والله ذو فضل عظيم . والله اعلم»

Furthermore, this narration is found in Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah and Musnad Ahmad [الفتح الرباني : 5؍ 316], and in Al-Mawsu‘ah Al-Hadithiyyah [مسند احمد، حديث : 24381] with the following wording: «ان الله وملائكته يصلون على الذين يصلون الصفوف» "Allah bestows mercy upon those who join the rows, and the angels supplicate for them." And Shaykh al-Albani rahimahullah has declared this hadith to be "hasan" with these very words. Thus, according to him, in this hadith, instead of «ميامن الصفوف», the wording is «يصلون الصفوف», which establishes the virtue of joining the rows, not the virtue of standing on the right side of the imam. This means that standing on the right or left side of the imam is equal; the greater virtue lies in properly arranging the rows. However, the general virtue of the right side in all matters may make standing on the right side of the imam a cause of virtue. «والله اعلم»