The Reward of Performing Salaah in the First Row

The Reward of Performing Salaah in the First Row

A man once asked the Imam-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat, Sayyidi Ala Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Alaihir Rahmah:

"Is there greater reward in Performing Salaah in the first row?"

Sayyidi Ala Hazrat Alaihir Rahmah, quoting a noble Hadith, replied:

"If people truly realized the immense reward of performing Salaah in the first row then they would certainly draw lots for it, for everyone would wish to stand there, and due to limited space, the matter would have to be decided by casting lots. The mercy of Allah Almighty first descends upon the Imam, then upon those directly in line with him in the first row, then to the right, then to the left. In the second row likewise, beginning with the one aligned with the Imam, then to the right, then to the left, continuing in this manner until the final rows." (Malfoozat-e-Ala Hazrat, Part 1, Page 156)

From this we learn that one should always strive to perform Salaah in congregation and endeavor to attain a place in the first row. Hastening towards good deeds and excelling in matters of Deen is a commendable quality. The mercy of Allah Almighty begins with the Imam and then spreads across the congregation, reminding both the Imam and the Muqtadi to offer their Salaah with sincerity, humility, and devotion.