SECTION ON PRAYER · 96 – Those for Whom Standing Behind the Imam is Preferable
Abu Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) said: “Let those among you who have attained maturity and intelligence follow me in prayer, then those near to them in those qualities, then those near to them.”
From Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him):
He narrated this hadith adding the following words: “Do not advance and retreat in the ranks, for discord will enter your hearts, and beware of the confusion of the marketplaces.” [436]
EXPLANATION:
Heyşat: The confusion in the marketplace refers to merchants obstructing each other’s paths, shouting loudly, and the tribulations present there. (Maalim-us-Sunan)
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) related that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) said:
“Indeed, Allah Almighty and His angels offer blessings upon those standing in the ranks on their right side.”
[437]
**EXPLANATION:**
The term *salat* when attributed to Allah signifies mercy. When attributed to the angels, it signifies supplication for forgiveness. Thus, Allah Almighty offers mercy upon those standing in the ranks on their right side, and the angels supplicate for forgiveness on behalf of those on the right side.
The right and left sides of the ranks are determined according to the Imam. In reality, divine mercy descends upon all sides of the ranks. Based on this honorable hadith, it is recommended to stand on the right because those on the right are the first to receive the Imam’s greeting (salaam).