Is it necessary to have shoulders touching in Jamaat prayer and can one move to fill a small gap?

Al-jawab billahi at-taufeeq (the answer with Allah’s guidance)

Abdullah ibn Umar (Radiallau Anhum reports that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi WaSalam) said, “Straighten your rows, bring in line your shoulders, fill in the gaps, co-operate with your brothers i.e. in arranging and straightening the rows and do not leave empty spaces for the Shayateen. Whoever fills in the gap Allah will shower his mercy on him and whoever leaves a space in the row Allah will deprive him of his mercy.” (Abi Dawud)

It is generally understood from this Hadith that the phrase ‘fill in the gaps’ refers to those areas in the congregation which are left widley opened enough to fit a person or child in there. Therefore, it is is permissible to have a gap for 3-4 finger lengths. The general principle is to straighten the rows so that they are in line and the joining of the shoulders is a means which leads to that. It is better to join the shoulders as this helps in making sure that the rows are straightened however there is no problem in a minor gap.

For more details on this matter, please read: http://muftisays.com/muftifarooq.php?viewpage=joiningfeet

It is permissible to move in Salah so long as the act which is being committed is being performed in order to fulfill the betterment of the prayer. For example, if there is a gap infront of you, it will be pemissible to move into it. This is seen in the Hadith of Mishkat which is ‘agreed upon’ where Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi WaSalam) took Abdullah ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu Anhuma) from one side and placed him in the correct place.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.

Answered by: Abdus Subhan Dalvi (Student of Jami’ah Sirajul Uloom, London)

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Moulana Qamruz Zaman
London, UK