The Imam’s saying: “Allah does not look at a crooked row”
We hear a lot our imams saying before starting the prayers: “Allah does not look to a crooked row”. Is this a Prophetic hadeeth (narration) or just a saying?
Answer
Praise be to Allah.
Undoubtedly a crooked row is an improper row, and the worshippers are sinning if they do not make the row straight, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) warned those who do not make the row straight, and said: “O slaves of Allah, make your rows straight or Allah will create division among you.” As for the hadeeth that you quoted, “Allah does not look at a crooked row,” this is not saheeh (authentic). End quote.
Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him).
And Allah knows best.
Liqaa’a at al-Baab il-Maftooh (1/21)