of fear, in which the front row and the rear row are mentioned. Likewise, the terms “first” and “last” are used with reference to place, just as they are used with reference to time. Thus, in the two Sahīh collections, Abū Hurayrah reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “The best rows for men are the first, and the worst are the last; the best rows for women are the last, and the worst are the first.” There are many similar examples of this usage, including the words of Allah Most High:

“But Pharaoh’s command was not rightly guided. {97} He will lead his people on the Day of Resurrection and bring them into the Fire.” [Hūd 97-98]

Yet Pharaoh’s precedence and that of the imam are both spatial and temporal. Thus, his action precedes theirs, and he is their leader.