Straightening Prayer Rows – Sunnah Method and Shari‘ah Standard

Correct Method and Shari‘ah Standard for Straightening the Prayer Rows


Source: Fatawa Arkan-e-Islam

❖ Question​

What is the correct standard in Shari‘ah for straightening the rows in Salah?
Does Shari‘ah require that one’s ankle be joined to the ankle of the person next to them?

❖ Answer​

Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ‘ala Rasulillah, amma ba’d!

Correct Standard for Straight Rows​

• The correct measure for straightening the rows is alignment of the ankles, not the tips of the toes.
• This is because the body’s alignment is based on the ankle, whereas the length and shape of toes vary from person to person — some have long feet, others shorter.
• Therefore, straightness of the rows can be achieved through ankle alignment, not merely toe alignment.

Practice of the Companions​

• Joining ankles with one’s neighbor in the row is proven from the Companions (RA).
• While forming rows, they would align their ankles with their neighbors’ ankles to ensure straightness.

Hadith:
Anas (RA) said:


“One of us would place his shoulder with the shoulder of his companion and his foot with his foot.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith: 725)

⚠ Clarifying a Misunderstanding​

• Joining ankles is not an end in itself; it is a means to keep the rows straight.
• When the row is being formed and people are standing, each should align their ankle with the next person’s ankle so that the row is straight.
• This does not mean that ankles should remain touching throughout the entire Salah.

Avoiding Excessiveness​

• Some people overdo it, spreading their feet too far apart only to join ankles.
• This causes gaps between shoulders, which is against the Sunnah.
• The real goal is to align both the shoulders and the ankles so that the row is completely straight.

وبالله التوفيق


ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب