❖ Question:
Is the narration authentic and established that ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb رضي الله عنه, during prayer, took the hand of ʿAbdullāh bin ʿUtbah and brought him to stand beside him so that there would be no gap between them?
❖ Answer by:
Shaykh ʿAbdul Wakeel Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullāh
✔ Yes, this narration is authentic and established, and it is supported by evidences.
❖ Evidences:
① Mention in al-Muwaṭṭā’ of Imām Mālik
This incident is recorded in al-Muwaṭṭā’ of Imām Mālik, which itself is a testimony to its authenticity.
② ʿUmar رضي الله عنه’s Action Reflects a Principle
The action of ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb رضي الله عنه was based on the principle of correcting the rows and maintaining equality in congregational prayer, so that there would be no gaps in the rows.
❖ Conclusion:
✔ This narration is authentic, and its presence in a reliable reference like al-Muwaṭṭā’ of Imām Mālik confirms its soundness.
