Derived from: Fatāwā Amunpūrī by Shaykh Ghulām Mustafa Zaheer Amunpūrī
Who has the right to stand immediately next to the Imam?
Those who are knowledgeable, pious, righteous, mature, and sane should stand directly behind the Imam in the first row. This arrangement ensures that they can alert the Imam in case of a mistake, and if the Imam’s ablution is invalidated or some other issue arises, they are capable of taking over and leading the congregation.
Unfortunately, it is regretful to note that this matter is often neglected. In our communities, careless individuals — such as those who shave their beards or are ignorant of religious knowledge — frequently position themselves directly behind the Imam, without any concern for the proper order.
❀ Sayyidunā Abū Masʿūd al-Anṣārī رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"Let those among you who are endowed with understanding and insight stand closest to me, then those who follow them, then those who follow them."
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 432)
❀ Imām al-Khaṭṭābī رحمه الله (d. 388 AH) writes:
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ commanded that those endowed with understanding should stand near the Imam, so that they may comprehend the prayer of the Imam. Moreover, if the Imam faces any issue during the prayer, they can deputize for him. Similarly, if the Imam makes an error, they can correct him, or if any other situation arises, they can manage it."
(Maʿālim al-Sunan: 1/184)
① The position immediately behind the Imam holds special importance.
② It is a right reserved for individuals possessing knowledge, piety, and maturity.
③ This arrangement facilitates support, correction, and leadership in unforeseen circumstances.
④ Ignoring this principle reflects a lack of seriousness in religious matters.
❖ Question:
Who has the right to stand immediately next to the Imam?
❖ Answer:
Those who are knowledgeable, pious, righteous, mature, and sane should stand directly behind the Imam in the first row. This arrangement ensures that they can alert the Imam in case of a mistake, and if the Imam’s ablution is invalidated or some other issue arises, they are capable of taking over and leading the congregation.
Unfortunately, it is regretful to note that this matter is often neglected. In our communities, careless individuals — such as those who shave their beards or are ignorant of religious knowledge — frequently position themselves directly behind the Imam, without any concern for the proper order.
❖ Evidence from Hadith:
❀ Sayyidunā Abū Masʿūd al-Anṣārī رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"Let those among you who are endowed with understanding and insight stand closest to me, then those who follow them, then those who follow them."
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 432)
❖ Commentary from Scholars:
❀ Imām al-Khaṭṭābī رحمه الله (d. 388 AH) writes:
"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ commanded that those endowed with understanding should stand near the Imam, so that they may comprehend the prayer of the Imam. Moreover, if the Imam faces any issue during the prayer, they can deputize for him. Similarly, if the Imam makes an error, they can correct him, or if any other situation arises, they can manage it."
(Maʿālim al-Sunan: 1/184)
✿ Key Points:
① The position immediately behind the Imam holds special importance.
② It is a right reserved for individuals possessing knowledge, piety, and maturity.
③ This arrangement facilitates support, correction, and leadership in unforeseen circumstances.
④ Ignoring this principle reflects a lack of seriousness in religious matters.
