Riyad as-Salihin, 1090
Al-Bara' bin 'Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to pass between the rows from one end to the other, touching our chest and shoulders (i.e., arranging the rows) in line and saying, "Do not be out of line; otherwise your hearts will be in disagreement". He would add, "Allah and His angels invoke blessings upon the first rows." <b>[Abu Dawud]</b>.
وعن البراء بن عازب رضي الله عنهما، قال كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يتخلل من ناحية إلى ناحية، يمسح صدورنا ومناكبنا ويقول،: "لا تختلفوا فتختلف قلوبكم" وكان يقول: "إن الله وملائكته يصلون على الصفوف الأُول" ((رواه أبو داود بإسناد حسن)).
References1 variant
- In-Book Reference
- Book 8, Hadith 100
Sharh · explanationclick to expand
<b>Guidance from the Hadith:</b><br>
1) The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged us, through his words and example, to stand in rows in congregation prayer and to straighten them.<br>
2) It points out the merit of the first rows, as Allah Almighty and His angels send blessings upon them. So, when Allah guides and enables someone to attend congregation prayers, he should be keen to go early so as to win this great reward.