الصَّفّ

الصَّفّ

A saff is a row of worshippers in prayer. The majority recommend straightening rows, with shoulders and feet touching and no gaps; some hold it obligatory, and Ibn Hajar says the prayer of one who does not straighten the row is still valid. Completing the first row before the next, and filling gaps, are part of straightening. The first rows are best for men; women's best rows are the last if men are present, and the first if women pray alone. The imam stands in the middle of the row, men come first, then boys, then women. A fighter may not leave the line when the two lines meet, except to manoeuvre or join a body of Muslims, and rows at a funeral prayer are straightened and not fewer than three. ^{1 2 3 4 5 6 7}