What is the ruling on praying in the first row, and what is the classification of the hadiths mentioned concerning it? Is there a greater reward for one who prays in it, even if he arrives late and there is contention?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Many hadiths have been narrated concerning the virtue of the first row and the initiative to occupy it, meaning the row directly behind the Imam. Whoever comes early to the mosque receives the reward for their early arrival, even if they pray in the back rows. If two individuals are equally entitled to enter the first row and neither allows the other to have it, then they should draw lots. However, this should not lead to ill feelings between them, for safeguarding the purity of hearts is greater than praying in the first row.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 80016
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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