4/22. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 421c — Prayer Rows and Imam Etiquette
The Congregation Appointing Someone To Lead Them If The Imam Is Delayed And If There Is No Fear Of Negative Repercussions
Hadith About Prayer Rows and Abu Bakr Moving Back
Sahih Muslim : 421c
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 421c
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ بَزِيعٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ الأَعْلَى، حَدَّثَنَا عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ، عَنْ أَبِي حَازِمٍ، عَنْ سَهْلِ بْنِ سَعْدٍ السَّاعِدِيِّ، قَالَ ذَهَبَ نَبِيُّ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يُصْلِحُ بَيْنَ بَنِي عَمْرِو بْنِ عَوْفٍ . بِمِثْلِ حَدِيثِهِمْ وَزَادَ فَجَاءَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَخَرَقَ الصُّفُوفَ حَتَّى قَامَ عِنْدَ الصَّفِّ الْمُقَدَّمِ . وَفِيهِ أَنَّ أَبَا بَكْرٍ رَجَعَ الْقَهْقَرَى .
Sahl bin Sa`d As-Sa`idi Narrated from:
The Apostle of Allah (ﷺ) went to Bani Amr b. 'Auf in order to bring about reconciliation amongst them. The rest of the hadith is the same but with (the addition of these words):" The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came and made his way through the rows till he came to the first row and Abu Bakr retraced his steps."
Reference : Sahih Muslim 421cIn-book reference : Book 4, Hadith 113USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 4, Hadith 847
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 421c
This hadith about prayer rows focuses on a short added detail from the same event. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) went to bring reconciliation among Bani Amr b. Auf. The report then says that the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) came and made his way through the rows until he reached the first row. It also mentions that Abu Bakr moved backward. The teaching stays within the scene: the prayer was already in progress, the Prophet entered the rows, and Abu Bakr adjusted his place. The wording helps readers understand the order of movement during this event without adding extra rulings. It is a simple report about prayer leadership, rows, and respect in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم).
What we learn from this hadith
- The Prophet came through the rows until he reached the first row.
- Abu Bakr moved backward during the prayer event.
- The report connects prayer leadership with order in the rows.
