Step-by-Step Sunnah Guide to Rows and Formation in Congregational Prayer

Congregational prayer holds great virtue, as the Prophet Muhammad SAW said: "Prayer in congregation is superior to praying alone by twenty-seven degrees" (Bukhari). Beyond the movements and recitations, the order and neatness of the rows are crucial aspects for the perfection of the worship. The order of rows according to the Sunnah is adult men in front, followed by boys, then adult women, and finally girls. This is supported by a hadith from the Jamaah (except Bukhari) which explains that the best row for men is the front and the best row for women is the back. Some practical guidelines include: the position of a single follower to the right of the imam, the obligation to straighten and close the rows, and starting new rows precisely from the center point behind the imam. Special virtue is given to the worshippers in the front row, who are prayed for by the angels, as narrated by Ibn Hibban, Ahmad, and Ath Thabrani. https://mozaik.inilah.com/ibadah/urutan-shaf-shalat-berjamaah