SECTION ON PRAYER · 98 – Women's Row: Standing Behind the First Row
Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated:
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “The best row of men is the first row, and the least virtuous row among them is the last row. The best row of women is the last row, and the least virtuous row among them is the first row.” [438]
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) related: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) said:
“If a group of people persist in falling behind from the first row [in prayer], then Allah will delay their exit from the Fire.”
EXPLANATION
This honorable hadith can bear two meanings:
1 – If a congregation persists in falling behind from the first row, then Allah will withhold them from exiting the Fire, among those who are released.
2 – If a group of people persist in falling behind from the first row, then Allah will withhold them from entering Paradise amongst the first entrants. It means they may enter Paradise after seeing the Fire.
Abū Sa‘īd al-Hudrī (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) saw the first row of the companions receding, so he said to them: “Advance in the first row, follow me, and those behind you should follow you. As long as a people continue to recede, Allah will abandon them.”