What is Sunan an-Nasa'i 815 about?

This hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i (Book of The Book of Leading the Prayer (Al-Imamah)), narrated by It was narrated from Anas that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to say:, states: ""Make your rows straight, make your rows straight, make your rows straight. By the One in Whose Hand is my soul! I can see you behind me as I can see you in front of me.""

Is this hadith authentic?

This hadith is graded Sahih. Sahih hadiths are considered the most authentic grade in hadith classification.

Which collection is this hadith from?

This hadith is from Sunan an-Nasa'i, which contains 5,768 hadiths across 52 books. It is hadith number 815 in the Book of The Book of Leading the Prayer (Al-Imamah).

I searched for a different number — is this the right hadith?

Hadith numbering varies across editions and translations (USC-MSA, Dar as-Salam, Fath al-Bari, and others). If you followed a link citing a different number but landed here, you may have been redirected to the canonical version in our library. If you were looking for a different hadith entirely, use the search bar to find it by text.

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#814

#815

Sunan an-Nasa'i

#816

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Sunan an-Nasa'i #815

The Book of Leading the Prayer (Al-Imamah)

Sahih

The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.

أَخْبَرَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ نَافِعٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا بَهْزُ بْنُ أَسَدٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادُ بْنُ سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ ثَابِتٍ، عَنْ أَنَسٍ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ اسْتَوُوا اسْتَوُوا اسْتَوُوا فَوَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ إِنِّي لأَرَاكُمْ مِنْ خَلْفِي كَمَا أَرَاكُمْ مِنْ بَيْنِ يَدَىَّ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

"Make your rows straight, make your rows straight, make your rows straight. By the One in Whose Hand is my soul! I can see you behind me as I can see you in front of me."

Narrated by It was narrated from Anas that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to say:

Context

In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining straight rows during prayer. He repeated the command three times, underscoring its significance. By stating that he could see those behind him as clearly as those in front, he highlights the unity and discipline required in congregational prayer.

Modern Application

This principle of straightening rows can be applied in daily Salah by ensuring that we align ourselves properly with others in prayer. It fosters a sense of community and discipline, reminding us that our collective worship is as important as our individual devotion.

Topics

This hadith is tagged with Prayer and Prophetic Conduct because it illustrates the Prophet's instructions on maintaining order and discipline in prayer, reflecting his leadership in worship.

Prayer Prophetic Conduct