⫷ Ruling on Placing a Prayer Mat on the Masjid Row and Leaving Gaps in the Row ⫸
❖ Question:
Some people place a separate prayer mat (jāʾe namāz) over the carpeted row in the mosque, even though their clothes are clean. Moreover, they stand in such a way that leaves gaps between worshippers in the row. Is this behavior correct?
❖ Answer by Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullāh:
① Placing a Prayer Mat Over the Masjid Carpet
✔ There is no harm in placing a separate prayer mat on the masjid carpet, whether out of necessity or convenience.
- If a person’s clothes are dirty (e.g., with oil, mud, etc.), using a separate mat to protect the masjid carpet is appropriate.
- However, if the clothes are clean, then it is not necessary, and one may pray directly on the masjid’s carpet.
✦ Important Note:
This should not lead to arrogance or a feeling of superiority over others, nor should it become a habit without reason.
② Leaving Gaps in the Row
❌ Leaving gaps between worshippers is against the Sunnah.
✔ The Prophet ﷺ commanded:
“Straighten your rows, line up shoulder to shoulder, and fill the gaps.”
(Saḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Muslim)
✔ Worshippers should ensure:
- Foot-to-foot alignment
- Shoulder-to-shoulder contact
- No intentional gaps between individuals in the same row
⚠ Gaps provide a place for Shayṭān, and disturb the uniformity and discipline of the prayer congregation.
❖ Summary:
✔ Placing a prayer mat on the mosque’s row is permissible, especially for cleanliness or personal comfort—not obligatory if already clean.
✔ Leaving gaps in the rows is not permissible—the Sunnah is to stand closely, shoulder-to-shoulder and foot-to-foot, ensuring unity and discipline in the prayer.
