Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #98

“Those who lag behind in joining the front rows, in the congregational prayers, will eventually lag behind in doing other righteous deeds as well.”

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Shaikh Ibn al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:

As for the men, whenever they precede (in joining the front rows), that is better for them; for the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم had warned against those who lag behind (in joining the front rows):

❝If people will continue to lag behind, Allaah will put them at the back.❞
[Saheeh Muslim (878)]

This is dangerous! Whenever a person lags behind in joining the first row or the second or the third, he will find that Allaah تعالى has put in his heart the love of lagging behind in doing other righteous deeds (as well) – and Allaah’s refuge is sought from this.

This is why (he صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: ❝If people will continue to lag behind, Allaah will put them at the back.❞

So you, O my brother, should be (persistent) in joining the first row.

[Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen of Shaikh Ibn al-`Uthaymeen (5/111)]