What is the ruling on a man praying alone behind the row, and is it permissible for him to pull one of the worshipers, or should he pray alone?
The prayer of a person praying alone behind the rows is valid, though disliked, according to the majority of jurists (Hanafis, Malikis, and Shafi'is). This dislike is lifted if there is an excuse. The Hanbalis, however, consider it invalid if there is no excuse, based on the of Wabisa ibn Ma'bad, while the majority believes that the command to repeat the prayer in that hadith is for recommendation.
If a worshipper does not find a space in the rows, the madhhabs differ: Hanafis: He waits for someone to join him in the row. If he finds no one or fears missing the rak'ah, he pulls an 'alim (scholar) or a virtuous person from the row. Otherwise, he stands behind the imam, and there is no dislike then. Malikis: He prays alone behind the row and does not pull anyone. If he pulls someone, the pulled person should not obey him. Shafi'is: It is recommended for him to pull someone from the row, provided that person agrees. Otherwise, he should not pull anyone. It is recommended for the pulled person to assist. Hanbalis: He stands to the right of the imam if possible. Otherwise, he alerts someone through speech or a gesture to stand with him. Alerting someone by pulling is disliked.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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