Hadith Text & Reference

"Whoever steps over the necks of the people on Friday, he has taken a bridge to Hell."

Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 513 | Book: The Book on the Day of Friday | Author: Jami' at-Tirmidhi

Meaning & Context

This hadith addresses the sanctity of the Friday prayer gathering and proper mosque etiquette. "Stepping over necks" refers to pushing through seated congregants, climbing over people's shoulders, or causing disturbance to reach the front rows.

The severe warning indicates this act violates the dignity of fellow Muslims, disrupts worship, and shows disregard for the sacred gathering where angels record deeds and hearts should be focused on Allah.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam At-Tirmidhi classified this hadith as hasan (sound). Scholars explain that such behavior transforms what should be a means of reward into a path to punishment.

The "bridge to Hell" metaphor illustrates how this action becomes a direct connection to divine wrath due to its multiple sins: harming believers, arrogance, disturbing prayer, and violating mosque sanctity.

Proper conduct requires arriving early, walking gently between gaps in rows, and praying where space is available without inconveniencing others.

Practical Rulings

It is prohibited (haram) to step over people during Friday prayer or any congregational prayer unless absolutely necessary.

If one must pass through, they should say "Excuse me" gently and wait for people to make space rather than climbing over them.

The prohibition applies equally to men and women in their respective prayer areas and extends to any Islamic gathering where people are seated.