The imam’s saying: “Allaah 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 or just a saying?.

Praise be to Allaah.

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 Allaah be upon him) warned those who do
not make the row straight, and said: “O slaves of Allaah, make your rows
straight or Allaah will create division among you.” As for the hadeeth that
you quoted, “Allaah does not look at a crooked row,” this is not saheeh. End
quote.

Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him).