Question:
When should one start to enter the saf for prayer; is it while the iqamah is called or right after the iqamah?
Answer:
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his wives, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
One should start to enter the saf right after the iqamah is called. This is in accordance with narration from Abu Hurairah RA, where he said:
أُقِيمَتِ الصَّلاَةُ فَسَوَّى النَّاسُ صُفُوفَهُمْ
“Once Iqama was pronounced and the people had straightened the rows…”
Sahih al-Bukhari (640)
The above hadith is clear that the saf is straightened right after the iqamah is called out. The reason is, the dalalah (indication) for the letter الفاء in between the words showed the order of the actions. This opinion is strengthened by another narration from Anas bin Malik RA, where he was standing for prayer and the muezzin say:
قَدْ قَامَتِ الصَّلَاة
"The time for prayer has come."
Imam Sa’id Ibn al-Musayyib Rahimahullah said:
إِذَا قَالَ الْمُؤَذِّنُ الله أَكْبَرُ وَجَبَ الْقِيَامُ وَإِذَا قَالَ حَيَّ عَلَى الصَّلَاةِ عُدِّلَتِ الصُّفُوفُ وَإِذَا قَالَ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ كَبَّرَ الْإِمَامُ
“When the muezzin (someone who calls out the adhan) said Allahu Akbar then it is obligatory (for the makmum) to stand and when the muezzin said Hayya ‘Ala Al-Solah then the saf is straightened and when the muezzin said La Ilaaha Illallah, then the Imam will start the prayer with takbir.” See Fathul Bari Syarah Sahih al Bukhari, Ibn Hajar (2/120).
Conclusion
Hence, every makmum who is present to perform the prayer should be wary and attentive when the iqamah is called. When the muezzin calls the iqamah, they should immediately stand up, enter the saf and straightened themselves. May Allah SWT give us understanding in practising our religion. Ameen.