SECTION ON PRAYER · 73 – Performing Supererogatory Prayers in the Place Where the Imam Leads Prayer
Muġira ibn Shuʿba (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) said: “The person who leads the prayer should not perform voluntary prayers in the place where he led, without shifting to the right or left.”
Abu Dawud says: Ḥurāsānī ʿAtā did not reach Muġira ibn Shuʿba.
EXPLANATION:
The places where we pray will be witnesses for us on the Day of Resurrection. The further apart we prostrate, the more witnesses we prepare in our favor. Therefore, it is ordered that the person leading the obligatory prayer should not perform the voluntary prayers in the place where he led the obligatory prayer without shifting to the right or left; this instruction applies to the congregation as well.