Complete the front row first, then the one following it. If there is any deficiency (in the rows), let it be in the last row

Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Complete the front row first, then the one following it. If there is any deficiency (in the rows), let it be in the last row."

Attribution: Narrated by Abu Dāwūd and Al-Nasā’i

Grade: Authentic

Explanation

The Prophet (ﷺ) commanded the men praying in congregation to complete the first row, then to complete the row behind it, and so on. If there is any deficiency in a row, let that deficiency be in the last row.

Benefits

Clarification of the Sunnah regarding straightening the rows (in prayer).
Worshippers should not leave gaps in the front rows; rather, any deficiency should be in the last row.

Complete the front row first, then the one following it. If there is any deficiency (in the rows), let it be in the last row

Explanation

Benefits

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