If the imam says before the takbir, "Straighten up, stand evenly, close the gaps," is this based on a text?
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The questioner : This questioner says: If the imam says before the takbir, "Straighten up, stand evenly, close the gaps," is this based on a text?
The Shaykh : Yes, it is based on a report from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), but we must know that these words have their meaning and implication, meaning that the imam does not say them unless he sees that they have not straightened up and closed the gaps. As for if he sees them standing evenly and closely, there is no need for him to say them. This is the first point.
Second: The imam should turn to the ma'mum (those praying behind him) to see if they have straightened up or not. If they have not straightened up, he should straighten them, even with his hand, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to wipe the shoulders and chests of his Companions and say:. When the Muslims increased in number, the Rightly Guided Caliphs would appoint men to look at the rows. When they came and said that the rows were straight and even, they would say the takbir. Most imams today do not give these words any weight; rather, they are words that are said even if the row is as straight as it can be. They are words that are said and not followed up on if the row is crooked or if the people are spread out. Therefore, you find that the ma'mum do not give them any weight and do not pay attention to his saying, "Straighten up," "Stand evenly," or "Close the gaps."
But if the imam considered the meaning of these words and straightened the rows with his hand if they were not even, it would be beneficial. Then, some imams do not bear the annoyance of the ma'mum if he sees them crowding around him with a fearful, sidelong glance, and he says the takbir immediately. This is considered cowardice. It is obligatory for a person to be brave in the religion of Allah (Mighty and Majestic), not caring about anyone, and to be patient, not saying the takbir for the start of the prayer until he sees that they have straightened up completely. If he accustoms the ma'mum to this, they will get used to it and no wrong will occur from them. We have tried this and seen that people, praise be to Allah, love what is good, but they need serious effort. Let the imam know that among the greatest of his responsibilities is this matter: to order the establishment of the rows, their straightening, closing the gaps, and bringing them close together.
The Shaykh : Yes, it is based on a report from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), but we must know that these words have their meaning and implication, meaning that the imam does not say them unless he sees that they have not straightened up and closed the gaps. As for if he sees them standing evenly and closely, there is no need for him to say them. This is the first point.
Second: The imam should turn to the ma'mum (those praying behind him) to see if they have straightened up or not. If they have not straightened up, he should straighten them, even with his hand, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to wipe the shoulders and chests of his Companions and say:
Straighten up
استوواBut if the imam considered the meaning of these words and straightened the rows with his hand if they were not even, it would be beneficial. Then, some imams do not bear the annoyance of the ma'mum if he sees them crowding around him with a fearful, sidelong glance, and he says the takbir immediately. This is considered cowardice. It is obligatory for a person to be brave in the religion of Allah (Mighty and Majestic), not caring about anyone, and to be patient, not saying the takbir for the start of the prayer until he sees that they have straightened up completely. If he accustoms the ma'mum to this, they will get used to it and no wrong will occur from them. We have tried this and seen that people, praise be to Allah, love what is good, but they need serious effort. Let the imam know that among the greatest of his responsibilities is this matter: to order the establishment of the rows, their straightening, closing the gaps, and bringing them close together.