The Method of Straightening the Row

Question

It is written in the books that one should straighten the row in prayer. Should it be aligned from the front [of the feet] or from the back? Some of the ‘ulama’ here say that the little toes should be aligned at the front, while other ‘ulama’ say that the heels should be aligned at the back. Which of these views is reliable? Please explain, and you will be rewarded.

Answer

One should stand with the ankles and heels aligned; there is no need to align the toes at the front. [ar]وإن تفاوتت الأقدام صغرًا أو كبرًا فالعبرة بالساق والكعب[/ar] “If the feet differ, being smaller or larger, then what counts is the shank and the ankle” (“al-Bahr [al-Ra’iq]”, vol. 1, p. 303).

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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