The discussion on the ruling of praying alone behind the rows.
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The Shaykh : Then I say: Do you know about the scholars' disagreement on this issue?
All three schools of jurisprudence: Malik, al-Shafi'i, and Abu Hanifah, all of them hold that it is permissible to pray behind the row without an excuse. As for Imam Ahmad, there are two narrations from him on this:
One narration is that it is valid to pray behind the row without an excuse. If this is the case, all the Islamic schools of jurisprudence would align with the second narration of Imam Ahmad, holding that the prayer is valid without an excuse. This means there is no scholarly consensus on this issue, nor is it the majority view. However, the truth is what should be followed. The hadith indicates that whoever prays alone behind the row without an excuse must repeat the prayer,. But if it is impossible for him to stand in the row, then all obligations are dropped due to the excuse. So, should we say: pray alone following your imam, or leave and do not pray? Which is better?
Praying alone with him is better than leaving and not praying. Therefore, the correct opinion, which was chosen by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) and our Shaykh 'Abd al-Rahman ibn Sa'di, is that if the row is complete, you may pray alone with the imam, meaning behind the row.
All three schools of jurisprudence: Malik, al-Shafi'i, and Abu Hanifah, all of them hold that it is permissible to pray behind the row without an excuse. As for Imam Ahmad, there are two narrations from him on this:
One narration is that it is valid to pray behind the row without an excuse. If this is the case, all the Islamic schools of jurisprudence would align with the second narration of Imam Ahmad, holding that the prayer is valid without an excuse. This means there is no scholarly consensus on this issue, nor is it the majority view. However, the truth is what should be followed. The hadith indicates that whoever prays alone behind the row without an excuse must repeat the prayer,
Because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saw a man praying behind the row and ordered him to repeat the prayer.
لأنّ النّبيّ صلّى الله عليه وسلّم رأى رجلا يصلّي خلف الصّفّ فأمره أن يعيد الصّلاةPraying alone with him is better than leaving and not praying. Therefore, the correct opinion, which was chosen by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) and our Shaykh 'Abd al-Rahman ibn Sa'di, is that if the row is complete, you may pray alone with the imam, meaning behind the row.