Why is there an emphasis in our deen for having straight rows?

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, We have been made to excel (other) people in three (things): Our rows have been made like the rows of the angels and the whole earth has been made a mosque for us, and its dust has been made a purifier for us in case water is not available. (Saheeh Muslim)

The Muslim Ummah is meant to be recognized by their rows and lines, because it is a sign of discipline and unity.

Abu Musa al Asha’ri radi Allahu anhu narrated, “Verily the Messenger of Allah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam addressed us and explained to us all Its aspects and taught us how to observe prayer (properly). He (the Holy Prophet) said: When you pray make your rows straight and let anyone amongst you act as your Imam.” (Saheeh Muslim)

The first aspect of the prayer that the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam taught was having straight rows.

Rows have such an importance that Allah azza wa jal takes an oath (qasm) in the Qur’an by the angels who make lines, He says:

By those (angels) ranged in ranks (or rows). (37:1)

The Angels are given the example, and they recognize themselves by it:

The Proper Row

1- Keep close together and the first row should be completed first

Jabir ibn Samura radi Allahu anhu narrated that the Prophet alayhi salaatu wa salaam came to a group of Companions after prayer and said, “Why don’t you draw yourselves up in rows as angels do in the presence of their Lord? We said: Messenger of Allah, how do the angels draw themselves up in rows in the presence of their Lord? He (the Holy Prophet) said: They make the first rows complete and keep close together in the row.” (Saheeh Muslim)

2- Straight

Anas ibn Malik radi Allahu anhu reported: The Messenger of Allah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said: “Straighten your rows for the straightening of a row is a part of the perfection of prayer.” (Saheeh Muslim)

3- Like a building

Allah azza wa jal says,

Verily, Allah loves those who fight in His Cause in rows (ranks) as if they were a solid structure. (61:4)

The description used by Allah ta’ala to describe the rows of the Believers is “bunyaan marsoos”, a building that is Marsoos. Marsoos is from Rass which means to build a solid and firm structure that is leveled so that there are no gaps and rifts in the building. Marsoos refers to a building that is pressed together, solid, compressed and firm. It is a building that cannot be broken because all of the parts are close together.

The Best of Rows

Abu Hurayrah radi Allahu anhu narrated that the Prophet alayhi salaatu wa salaam said: “The best rows for men are the first rows, and the worst ones the last ones, and the best rows for women are the last ones and the worst ones for them are the first ones.” (Saheeh Muslim)

This hadeeth refers to any mixed gathering, especially in salah if there is no partition. However, the scholars state that when the women are separated from the men, the best row for them is also the first row and the worst is the last. Furthermore this hadeeth does not only apply to salah, but also in a gathering of knowledge such as a masjid or classroom. Our Muslim men should always strive and hasten to be in the front, and our sisters as well when they are in their own gatherings.

Benefits of Making Rows

1- It is a merit of prayer

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, “Establish rows in prayer, for the making of a row (straight) is one of the merits of prayer.” (Saheeh Muslim)

2- It establishes unity among the Muslims

Nu’man ibn Bashir radi Allahu anhu reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam say: “Straighten your rows, or Allah would create dissension amongst you.” (Saheeh Muslim)

3- It is loved by Allah

4- It is a sign of organization

Verily, Allah loves those who fight in His Cause in rows (ranks) as if they were a solid structure. (61:4)

4- It is a special quality of the Angels that our Ummah can imitate

Making lines and not leaving gaps is a symbol of discipline and organization.  Is there any other ummah that emphasizes making lines and rows? Muslims nowadays are recognized for the opposite; we are not able to make a simple row in our prayers, while in the past it was the distinct quality of the Muslims.

Every Ramadan, we see this issue in nearly every masjid. What is keeping us from straightening our rows and coming together? It is the ignorance we have of our deen and the arrogance in our hearts that we refuse to stand next to another Muslim because of their ethnicity, background or simply not knowing them.

There is a line of poetry that states: the hearts are disconnected because we left making rows.

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