Project "Revive a Sunnah" Week 19

Week 19: February 9th-16th 2007

(21st-28th of Muharram 1428 AH)

Imagine this. A brother walks into the prayer hall and takes a seat in the back against the wall. Today, this is a very common thing to see. And even if it may not be the very back, a brother will just settle for any seat that is convenient for him. No, we’re not going to talk about praying Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (for that, see Week 11). However, what we are going to talk about this week is the excellence of praying in the first row. The desire and love for the first row has not entered many hearts of the Muslims today. I’m not sure whether it is ignorance of the issue or just carelessness in general about the matters pertaining to faith…whatever the reason, Project “Revive a Sunnah” comes to the rescue, insha Allah. Let’s take a look at this issue from the sunnah of the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam).

From the Ahadith:

1.
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "If people came to know the blessing of calling Adhan and the standing in the first row, they could do nothing but would draw lots to secure these privileges.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

2.
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The best of the men's rows (in Salat) is the first row and the worst is the last; but the best of the women's row is the last and the worst of their rows is the first.''
[Muslim]

3.
Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Fill (complete) the first row, then the one next to it; and if there is any deficiency (incompleteness), it should be in the last row.''
[Abu Dawud]

4.
Al-Bara' bin `Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to pass between the rows from one end to the other, touching our chest and shoulders (i.e., arranging the rows) in line and saying, “Do not be out of line; otherwise your hearts will be in disagreement.” He would add, "Allah and His angels invoke blessings upon the first rows.''
[Abu Dawud]

Subhan Allah! There is so much blessing and reward to be gained in the first row. One might ask, “How then do some of us not care about this?” I'm not quite sure. But I do hope that we now understand the importance of the first row, and that we will compete with each other in getting a spot in the first row -- all in an orderly and civilized manner of course. I also do understand that by focusing on this aspect of the Prophet’s (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) sunnah this week, an increase in the competition for the first row will occur, and it might be more difficult for you and me to get a spot, but hey -- it’s all worth it, because it’s for the sake of Allah, insha Allah.

Whatever you have read above is geared towards the men. As the ahadith mentioned, for men -- the best row is the first row, and for women -- the best row is the last row. So insha Allah, our sisters should implement the above ahadith with the last row being their target. I hope this is clearly understood, because I hear that sometimes even women compete for the first rows amongst themselves -- this should not be the case.

May Allah enable us to grasp the importance of praying in the first row (for men), and praying in the last row (for women), and may Allah enable us to act upon what we have said. Ameen.

You are most welcome to direct any Feedback/Comments/Suggestions/Nominations to albosnawi@gmail.com

May Allah reward you all.
Praise be to Allah and may the blessings be upon the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam).

Wa Salaamu Alaykoum,

Kemal Smajlovic