❖ Shariah Ruling on Praying Alone Behind the Row (Ṣaff) ❖
Answered by: Fadīlat al-Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir Ḥafiẓahullāh
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ is reported to have commanded a man to repeat his prayer when he prayed alone behind the row, despite there being space in the ṣaff. What is the reference for this ḥadīth?
Yes, this narration is authentic and is reported from Waabiṣah ibn Maʿbad رضي الله عنه:
"أَنّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ رَأَى رَجُلًا يُصَلِّي خَلْفَ الصَّفِّ وَحْدَهُ فَأَمَرَهُ أَنْ يُعِيدَ، قَالَ سُلَيْمَانُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ: الصَّلَاةَ"
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ saw a man praying alone behind the row, and he ordered him to repeat the prayer.”
[Sunan Abī Dāwūd: 682]
In the version narrated by Sulaymān ibn Ḥarb, it is explicitly mentioned that the Prophet ﷺ commanded him to repeat the prayer (الصلاة).
Some of our respected scholars have pointed out that the words “ṣallā munfaridan” (he prayed alone) indicate that there was space in the front row, yet the man still chose to pray behind the ṣaff, likely out of ignorance.
Therefore:
➤ If there is space in the row, one must not pray alone behind it.
➤ If there is no room in the ṣaff, then this command does not apply, and the person is not held blameworthy.
➤ The scholars have also provided various interpretations of the ḥadīth to explain its legal and practical implications.
➤ The ḥadīth clearly proves that praying alone behind the ṣaff when space is available in front is not acceptable.
➤ In such a case, the prayer must be repeated, as per the command of the Prophet ﷺ.
➤ If no space is available, or there is a valid excuse, then the person is not sinful, and the prayer is valid.
Answered by: Fadīlat al-Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir Ḥafiẓahullāh
❀ Question:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ is reported to have commanded a man to repeat his prayer when he prayed alone behind the row, despite there being space in the ṣaff. What is the reference for this ḥadīth?
✔ Answer:
Yes, this narration is authentic and is reported from Waabiṣah ibn Maʿbad رضي الله عنه:
"أَنّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ رَأَى رَجُلًا يُصَلِّي خَلْفَ الصَّفِّ وَحْدَهُ فَأَمَرَهُ أَنْ يُعِيدَ، قَالَ سُلَيْمَانُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ: الصَّلَاةَ"
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ saw a man praying alone behind the row, and he ordered him to repeat the prayer.”
[Sunan Abī Dāwūd: 682]
In the version narrated by Sulaymān ibn Ḥarb, it is explicitly mentioned that the Prophet ﷺ commanded him to repeat the prayer (الصلاة).
✿ Clarification:
Some of our respected scholars have pointed out that the words “ṣallā munfaridan” (he prayed alone) indicate that there was space in the front row, yet the man still chose to pray behind the ṣaff, likely out of ignorance.
Therefore:
➤ If there is space in the row, one must not pray alone behind it.
➤ If there is no room in the ṣaff, then this command does not apply, and the person is not held blameworthy.
➤ The scholars have also provided various interpretations of the ḥadīth to explain its legal and practical implications.
✔ Summary:
➤ The ḥadīth clearly proves that praying alone behind the ṣaff when space is available in front is not acceptable.
➤ In such a case, the prayer must be repeated, as per the command of the Prophet ﷺ.
➤ If no space is available, or there is a valid excuse, then the person is not sinful, and the prayer is valid.
