When praying in Jamaah, what should I do if I am the only one in the last row?
When you find yourself in the last row of a congregational prayer (Jamaah) and are the only one in that row, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ provided guidance on how to handle this situation. There are narrations that indicate the proper course of action.
In one narration, it is stated that The Prophet ordered a man who had prayed alone behind the row to repeat the prayer.
Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2:82. This suggests that if you are praying alone behind the main rows, you should repeat your prayer.
Additionally, in a Shia source, it is mentioned that when asked about a man who comes to the prayer but does not find a place in the row, the response was: Yes, it is permissible to stand next to the Imam.
Al-Kafi 4:512. This indicates that if you are the only one in the last row, you may stand next to the Imam rather than remaining alone.
Thus, if you are the only one in the last row, it is advisable to either seek a place beside the Imam or, if already praying, to repeat your prayer following the guidance provided.
Sources
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Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2:82
Sunan al-Tirmidhi · Book 2, Hadith 82 · Narrated by Wabisa ibn Ma'bad
The Prophet ordered a man who had prayed alone behind the row to repeat the prayer.
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Al-Kafi 4:512
Al-Kafi · Book 4, Hadith 512
I was with Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) when Mihzam entered to see him. He said to him, "May I be sacrificed for you, tell me about this matter that we are waiting for—when will it be?" He replied, "O Mihzam, those who set appointed times lie, the hasteners perish, and the submitted will be saved." — OR — I asked about a man who comes to the prayer but does not find a place in the row. Does he stand alone until he finishes his prayer? He said: "Yes, it is permissible to stand next to the Imam."
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