Saf, or rows, play a crucial role in performing congregational prayers. Therefore, understanding the correct sequence of saf in congregational prayer is essential for Muslims.
This is because congregational prayer is a recommendation from the Prophet Muhammad SAW, conveyed through a hadith that states that congregational prayer is better than praying alone by 27 degrees.
"The congregational prayer is better than the prayer performed alone by twenty-seven degrees." (HR Bukhari)
The Correct Sequence of Saf in Congregational Prayer
Regarding the correct sequence of saf in congregational prayer, the book "Belajar Shalat Berjamaah" by M. Farid provides guidance that can be used as a reference. The sequence of saf starts with adult male saf, followed by boys, then filled by females, and the last saf is filled by girls.
This guide is based on a hadith that explains that the best saf for men is the frontmost one, while for female congregants, the best saf is at the back.
Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
"Through Abu Hurairah, he said, that Prophet Muhammad SAW said: 'The best saf for men is the frontmost saf, and the worst is the backmost saf. And the best saf for women is the backmost saf, and the worst is the frontmost saf.'" (HR Jamaah except Bukhari)
In congregational prayer, maintaining the perfection of saf not only affects the solemnity of prayer but also strengthens the bond between the congregants. Therefore, make sure you understand the correct sequence of saf so that the congregational prayer you perform can be more meaningful.
Understanding the Rules of Saf in Congregational Prayer
Congregational prayer is one of the important acts of worship in Islam. For Muslims who perform congregational prayer, it is important to understand the rules of saf or rows in congregational prayer. Some of these rules are:
1. One Worshipper Only
If there is only one worshipper present, he or she should stand to the right of the imam. This is explained in a hadith where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "Anas reported that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed with him and made him stand to his right..." (Muslim)
Furthermore, if a second worshipper arrives after the prayer has started, he or she can stand to the left of the imam or signal the first worshipper to stand together behind the imam.
2. Straight and Close Rows
When standing in one row, worshippers must ensure that they stand in a straight and close line. There should be no gap or space between one person and another. This is intended to maintain unity in prayer.
3. Creating a New Row
If a worshipper comes and finds that the front row is already full, he or she must create a new row. The new worshipper must signal one of the worshippers in the front row to move back to the back row and stand next to him or her in the middle, parallel to the imam.
In performing congregational prayer, the rules of saf are very important to observe. By understanding these rules, it is hoped that worshippers can perform congregational prayer well and receive more blessings.
The Benefit of the First Row in Congregational Prayer
As Muslims, we have been taught about the importance of congregational prayer and the great reward we will receive when performing it. However, there is still something we need to know, namely the virtue of the first row in congregational prayer.
The virtue is that the people in the first row will receive blessings from the angels. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in a hadith narrated by Ibn Hibban, "The angels send blessings upon those who are in the first row of prayer."
After hearing the Prophet's statement, the companions asked, "Does this also apply to those in the second row, O Messenger of Allah?" Then Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "Also to those in the second row." (Ahmad and Ath Thabrani)
Certainly, this is a motivation for us to try to get a place in the first and second rows when performing congregational prayer.
In congregational prayer, the order of rows is indeed very important. Therefore, as devout Muslims, we must pay attention to the procedure of congregational prayer and always try to get a place in the first row.
In addition to receiving blessings from the angels, congregational prayer also brings many benefits to us, such as increasing our faith, strengthening brotherhood ties, and fostering solidarity among fellow Muslims.
In conclusion, as Muslims, we must always be enthusiastic in performing congregational prayer and strive to get a place in the first row. We must also understand the importance of congregational prayer and the benefits we can receive from performing it correctly. May this article add to our knowledge and motivation in performing congregational prayer.
0 Comments