If somebody joins the prayer of two people who are performing a prayer in congregation, where does he need to stand?
Dear Brother / Sister,
If one person follows the imam, he stands on the right of the imam and behind the heels of the imam. If they start the prayer like this and others come later, they will stand on the right and left of the imam, forming a saff (rank). The person who comes first and follows the imam as the second person stands on the left of the imam. If there is no space on the left of the imam, he stands on his right.
If there are two or more people as the congregation, they stand behind the imam. This is the way of standing that is not makruh.
It is not permissible for the congregation to stand in front of the imam. The place of the feet is taken into consideration, not the place of prostration. It is enough if the heels of the congregation are behind the heels of the imam.
Questions on Islam
- If the imam and the male congregation stand in the same line, is the prayer invalidated?
- At what distance should the congregation stand behind the imam?
- What is the wisdom behind the imam performing prayers in a higher place than the place the congregation stands on?
- If a person who catches up with the congregation late sees that the last rank (saff) is full, can he stand behind that rank alone?
- What are the necessary qualities for an Imam to have in order to lead a congregational prayer?
- Jama’ah Salah (Prayer in Congregation)
- Is the prayer valid if there is a wall between the imam and the congregation that follows him? What are the reasons that prevent following an imam?
- Can a man perform prayers in congregation with his wife and children at home?
- Prayers in Congregation
- Isnt the stipulation that the Imam must be in front of the congregation and the prayer performed in the Kabah contradictory?
