‘ This ’Ath?r and many other ah?d?th affirm that the Ma’m?m should stand to the Im?m’s side, not a step backwards -as some followers of some Math?hib hold. ‘Umar’s narration and ‘At?’s Ibn Rabah answers affirm this authentic Sunnah. As for the other views that contradict this Sunnah, they should be left aside having good thought of those who stated them to have made their best in trying to know the Sunnah. Indeed the best of guidance is that of prophet Muhammad ( - صلى الله عليه وسلم -) ’. (1)

[34] Abandoning the first row by those who are knowledgeable:

Ab? Hurairah ( - رضي الله عنه -) related that the prophet ( - صلى الله عليه وسلم -) said: ‘Had people known the magnitude of the reward they would receive for calling ’Ath?n and standing in the first row, they would draw lots to have a chance to do them’. (2)

Another similar narration states: ‘Had you known [the magnitude of the reward those in] the first row [receive], lots would be drown [to win the chance of standing in it]. (3)

He ( - صلى الله عليه وسلم -) also said: ‘The best of men’s rows are their first and the worst are the last ones; and the best of women’s rows are the last and the worst are their first ones’. (4)

An-Nu‘m?n Ibn Bash?r said: “I heard the prophet ( - صلى الله عليه وسلم -) say: ‘Verily, All?h ( - عز وجل -) and his angels send their Sal?t [i.e. forgiveness, mercy, du‘?’] on those who stand in the first row and the rows following ... it’. (5)