Question (Q-36)
If two people start Salāh with Jamā’ah (Congregation) then where should the Muqtadī (Follower) stand? If a third person joins in later then where should he stand?
Answer:
If two people perform Jamā’ah (Congregation) then the Muqtadī (Follower) should stand on the right hand side of the Imām, either exactly in line with him or in line to his heel. It is also permissible to stand on the left side or behind the Imām. However, this is against the Sunnah.
لو وقف علي يساره جاز و قد أساء کذا في محيط السرخسي
“If he stood to the Imām’s left it is permissible, but he has performed an action that is not good. This is stated in Muhīt As Sarkhasī.” (Al Fatāwā Al Hindiyyah, Volume 1, Page 98)
و لو وقف خلفه جاز و يکره هو الصحيح هکذا في البدائع
“And if he stood behind the Imām, it is permissible but disliked. This is the authentic position. This is what is stated in Al Badā’i.”
It is stated in Al Bināyah, the commentary of Al Hidāyah (Volume, Page 342, Published in Makkah Al Mukarramah),
لو وقف منفرداً بغير عذر تصح صلاته عندنا
“If he stood alone without a valid reason, his Salāh is valid according to us.”
If a follower arrives, he should pull the Muqtadī (follower) behind or the Imām should step forward. If the third person stands behind the Imām alone then this is also valid but against the Sunnah. If the third person arrives whilst the first two are in Qa’dah (Sitting position) even then he should pull the other Muqtadī (Follower) behind, either before or after Takbīr ut Tahrīmah. If he sits to the left side of the Imām then this is also valid. It is stated in Al Fatāwā Al Hindiyyah, Volume 1, Page 98,
جذ به الثالث إلي نفسه قبل التکبير أو بعده ان قام الإمام وسطهما فصلاتهم جائزة
“The third person will pull (the other follower) towards himself prior to Takbīr At Tahrīmah or after it. If the Imām stands in between them then their Salāh is permissible.”
It is stated in Al Bahr Ar Rāiq, Chapter on Leadership (Imāmah),
القيام وحده أولي في زماننا لغلبة الجهل علي العوام
However, in our times, it is better to stand alone in the back row due to ignorance being prevalent.
Allah (تعالى) is Most Knowing.
Written by Muftī Shamsulhudā Khān Misbāhī (Allah preserve him)
