Ruling on the Imaam standing in the same row next to the Ma'mumeen
Is it permissible for the Imaam to stand in the same row with the Ma'mumeen instead of standing alone ahead of the rows due to the narrowness of the mosque?
![Ruling on the Imaam standing in the same row next to the Ma'mumeen](https://mrlatalib.com/chariaa/uploads/images/202309/image_100x75_64f405c814317.jpg)
The Sunnah is that the Imaam (i.e. the one leading the prayer) should stand ahead of the rows of the Ma'mumeen (i.e. the ones being led in the prayer) if they were two or more. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, used to stand ahead of the Companions in the congregational prayer and they used to stand behind him. Scholars excluded a naked Imaam who is leading a group of naked Ma'mumeen. They believed that it is recommended for him to stand next to the Ma'mumeen in the same row. Hence, if there is enough space in the mosque for the Ma'mumeen to stand in two rows, the Sunnah is that the Imaam should step ahead of the worshippers and they should stand behind him. If it is not possible, he may stand next to them in the same row as the Imaam's standing ahead of the congregation is just an act of the Sunnah and not an obligation. The benefit of gathering to perform the congregational prayer together is greater than that of the Imaam standing ahead of the Ma'mumeen.
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