It was also said: one should stand whenever he sees the imam, without qualification. It was said: one should stand when the iqamah begins. It was said: one should stand when the caller says, “Come to prayer.” It was said: one should stand when the imam pronounces the opening takbir. And it was said: there is latitude in this matter. (1) The sunnah does not specify a particular point at which one should stand, except that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “When the iqamah is given, do not stand until you see me.” (2) Since the sunnah has not specified a particular point for standing, it is permissible to stand at the beginning of the iqamah, during it, or when it ends.

What matters is that you should be ready to enter the prayer before the imam pronounces the opening takbir, lest you miss the opening takbir.

Straightening the Row

His statement, “and straightening the row,” means that it is recommended to straighten the row, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to command this, saying, “Straighten your rows.” (3) He would guide his Companions in this matter until they understood it from him and grasped it well. One day, he came out after the iqamah had been given, and he turned and saw a man whose chest was protruding; (4) so he said, “Servants of Allah, you must straighten your rows, or Allah will cause your faces to differ.” (5) As for his statement, “You must straighten your rows,” the lām