5/51. Chapter:
Sunan Ibn Majah 998 — Goodness in the First Row
The virtue of the front rows
Goodness in the First Row Hadith: Why the Front Row Matters
Sunan Ibn Majah : 998
Sunan Ibn MajahHadith Number 998
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو ثَوْرٍ، إِبْرَاهِيمُ بْنُ خَالِدٍ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو قَطَنٍ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ خِلاَسٍ، عَنْ أَبِي رَافِعٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ " لَوْ يَعْلَمُونَ مَا فِي الصَّفِّ الأَوَّلِ لَكَانَتْ قُرْعَةٌ " .
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘If they knew what (goodness) there is in the first row, they would cast lots for it.’”
Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 998In-book reference : Book 5, Hadith 196English translation : Vol. 1, Book 5, Hadith 998
Summary of Sunan Ibn Majah Hadith 998
This goodness in the first row hadith shows how valuable the front row is in congregational prayer. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said that if people knew what goodness there is in the first row, they would cast lots for it. The wording means the reward or benefit is so worth seeking that people would compete fairly for it if they truly knew its value. The hadith about the first row in salah does not tell people to argue or push. Rather, it points to the importance of coming early and wanting the best place in prayer in a proper way. It also fits with the teaching to complete the first rows before later rows.
What we learn from this hadith
- The first row contains great goodness according to the hadith.
- People are encouraged to value the front row in prayer.
- The mention of casting lots points to fair eagerness, not fighting.
- Coming early helps a person seek the first row properly.
