From which point does the row behind the imam begin? I entered a mosque with a friend, but there was no space left in the row, so we formed a new row behind the center of the preceding one. What is the legal ruling on this?

In a congregational prayer, the row starts directly behind the imam, with the imam positioned at the center, in front of the congregants. This guarantees that newcomers stand on his right and left, allowing each to receive their due share of listening and proximity — just as the Kaʿba is at the center of the earth, allowing people in every direction to partake of its blessings.

The virtue of congregational prayer

The congregational prayer manifests the believers’ unity in action and purpose, and their solidarity as one body, firmly holding to the rope of Allah and fulfilling His command. Allah Almighty says, “And hold fast, all of you together, to the rope of Allah, and be not divided” (Quran, 3:103).

The congregational prayer protects against Satan and his forces. Abu al-Darda` (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whenever there are three people in a village or desert among whom prayer is not established, Satan has overcome them. So, adhere to the congregation, for the wolf eats only the stray sheep” (recorded by Abu Dawud, al-Nasa`i, and al-Ḥakim).

Due to the great importance of congregational prayer in a Muslim’s life, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged it, urged toward it, and promised immense reward to those who perform it. Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Congregational prayer is superior to individual prayer by twenty-seven degrees” (Bukhari and Muslim).

 

The starting point of the row behind the imam

The row in congregational prayer begins directly behind the imam, so that he is positioned at the center of the row. The scriptural basis for this is the hadith of Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) who narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Place the imam in the center, and fill the gaps” (recorded by Abu Dawud and by al-Bayhaqi in Al-Sunan Al-Kubra). This means that the imam’s position is centered at the front of the congregation, rather than in the middle of the same row.

The imam’s central position means that if one person arrives to form a new row, he stands directly behind the imam, aligned with his right side. When a second joins, he stands to the imam’s left, and together they form a row behind those behind the imam.

And Allah the Almighty knows best.