Standing on the Right Side of the Imam in Congregational Prayer

✍ Taken from: “Ḍiyāʾ al-Islām fī Sharḥ al-Ilmām bi-Aḥādīth al-Aḥkām” by Shaykh Taqī al-Dīn Abī al-Fatḥ
Translated by: Mawlānā Maḥmūd Aḥmad Ghaẓanfar

❀ Ḥadīth Reference​

Narrated by al-Barrāʾ ibn ʿĀzib رضي الله عنه:
"Whenever we performed ṣalāh behind the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ, we used to prefer being on his right side so that when he turned (his face after taslīm), it would be toward us. I heard him say:
رَبِّ قِنِي عَذَابَكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ أَو تَجْمَعُ عِبَادَكَ
‘O my Lord! Protect me from Your punishment on the Day when You resurrect or gather Your servants (in the plain of resurrection).’"
[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 709 – Chapter: “The Recommendation of Standing on the Right Side of the Imam”]

❀ Key Benefits and Lessons​

➊ Standing on the Right Side is More Virtuous​

Being on the right side of the imam is more virtuous than the left, as the taslīm (salutation of peace) begins from the right side. The Companions preferred this placement for this very reason.

➋ The Love of the Companions for the Prophet ﷺ​

The noble Companions loved gazing at the blessed face of the Prophet ﷺ. Their desire to be on the right side was so that his face would turn toward them first after the taslīm. This shows their immense love and reverence for the Messenger ﷺ.

➌ Imam Should Face the Congregants After Prayer​

This narration implies that the Prophet ﷺ would turn and face the congregation after concluding the prayer. Based on this, it is recommended (mustaḥabb) for the imam to face the followers after taslīm rather than sitting with his face turned away to one side.

➍ Seeking Protection from Allah’s Punishment​

The Prophet ﷺ's duʿā shows the significance of seeking refuge in Allah’s punishment, especially from the punishment on the Day of Resurrection. This supplication reflects firm belief in the Hereafter and complete submission to Allah's justice.

❀ Concluding Note​

This narration from Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim underlines the spiritual and communal etiquette of standing in prayer. The emphasis on the right side, the companions’ respect, and the Prophet's beautiful supplications are all instructive examples for Muslims. Moreover, it encourages imams to maintain good connection with their followers and reminds the ummah of the importance of belief in the Last Day.