Explanation of the hadith
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.
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
AuthenticNarrated by Abu Dāwūd and Al-Nasā’iHadeethEnc #65738
عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ:
عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: «أَتِمُّوا الصَّفَّ المُقَدَّمَ، ثُمَّ الَّذِي يَلِيهِ، فَمَا كَانَ مِنْ نَقْصٍ فَلْيَكُنْ فِي الصَّفِّ المُؤَخَّرِ».
English translation
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."
Benefits from the hadith
- 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.
Virtue and Rulings of Congregational Prayer