Eligibility and Principles of Standing Directly Behind the Imām in Congregation
Source: Aḥkām wa Masāʾil – Bāb al-Ṣalāh, Vol. 1, p. 169
Question:
In congregational prayer, is there any specific eligibility for standing directly behind the Imām? Can an ignorant person, one who shaves his beard, or a negligent person stand there?
Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
«لِیَلِیَنِّیْ مِنْکُمْ اُوْلُوْا الْأَحْلاَمِ وَالنُّہٰی»
(Sunan Abī Dāwūd, Vol. 1, Bāb: Man Yustaḥabb An Yalī al-Imām; also narrated by Muslim; Mishkāt, Bāb: Taswiyat al-Ṣufūf)
"Let those among you who possess understanding and wisdom stand closest to me."
This blessed ḥadīth makes it clear that the right to stand directly behind the Imām in prayer belongs to those who:
- Possess intellect and understanding,
- Are knowledgeable and sensible in religious matters,
- Are serious-minded,
- And are committed to the commands of Sharīʿah.
Therefore, standing directly behind the Imām requires qualities of knowledge, wisdom, piety, and religious commitment.
Those who are ignorant, negligent of religion, or openly violate Sharīʿah—such as shaving the beard or disregarding religious obligations—should not be given this position.
Hādhā mā ʿindī, wallāhu aʿlam bi-ṣ-ṣawāb.
