Can I pray between the pillars in a mosque?
Yes, if you're praying alone; in congregation it's best avoided unless the mosque is crowded. Pillars break up the rows, so most scholars dislike forming a row between them without a need. When there's no other space, it's fine.
Praying alone between pillars
If you're praying by yourself, standing between two pillars is no problem at all. The Prophet ﷺ prayed inside the Kaaba between its pillars, as Bilal described to Ibn Umar. Many people even like praying near a pillar because it works as a sutrah, a barrier in front of them so others can pass safely. See What is a sutrah?
Why rows between pillars are disliked
In congregation, the rows are meant to be straight and connected, shoulder to shoulder. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Straighten your rows, for straightening the rows is part of establishing the prayer" (Sahih al-Bukhari 723, Sahih Muslim 433). A pillar in the middle of a row cuts it into pieces.
Anas ibn Malik said that in the time of the Prophet ﷺ the Companions used to avoid standing in rows between pillars (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 229). This is why many mosques mark the prayer lines so that rows start after or before the pillars.
What the schools say
- Hanbali and many Maliki scholars: disliked (makruh) for a congregation to line up between pillars without a need.
- Hanafi and Shafi'i scholars: generally more relaxed, but still prefer complete, unbroken rows.
- All agree: the prayer is valid either way, and when the mosque is full (Jumu'ah, Eid, Ramadan nights), praying between pillars is fine with no dislike.
Practical tips for busy mosques
- Fill the front rows first, then move back; don't start a new row behind a pillar while gaps remain in front.
- If you arrive late and the only space is between pillars, just pray there. Catching the jama'ah matters more.
- The imam's position and the layout of the prayer hall help you work out where the rows should be. See What are the parts of a mosque?
- In many Western mosques, the women's rows are behind or beside the men's; the same advice about filling rows applies there. See Can women pray in the main hall of the mosque?
- Praying alone between pillars is completely fine.
- Congregational rows should avoid pillars when there's space.
- The prayer is valid either way.
- In a crowded mosque, praying between pillars has no dislike.
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