When the iqama is called, rise for the prayer at the mu’adhdhin’s words, “qad qāmat aṣ-ṣalāh” (“The prayer has begun”), for the Prophet used to do so. If you stand at the very start of the iqama, there is no harm in that. This ruling applies when the follower can see the imam; if he cannot see him during the iqama, it is better not to rise until the imam is in sight.

O Muslim, strive to be in the front row, for the Prophet said, “If people knew the reward contained in the adhan and the first row, and had no means to attain them except by drawing lots, they would certainly draw lots for them” (agreed upon). He also said, “The best rows for men are the first.”

Likewise, endeavor to stand close to the imam, for he said, “Let those of you who possess maturity and sound judgment stand directly behind me.” This concerns men. As for women, the last row among the women’s rows is better for them, because he said, “The best rows for women are the last,” as that keeps them farther from the gaze of men.

Both the imam and the congregation must give special attention to straightening the rows. The Prophet said, “Straighten your rows, for straightening the rows is part of perfecting the prayer” (agreed upon).