What is the ruling on reserving a place in the Haram?

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, the questioner says: Some of the young men in the Haram, especially during the last ten nights, when they leave the Sacred Mosque, particularly after the tarawih prayer, reserve places for themselves because they intend to return after a short period. This is the practice of most people in general, and we see some students of knowledge doing this. What is the guidance?

Answer:
By Allah, this is not something that should be done. There is no doubt that this is reserving the mosque, which Allah has made for those who arrive first, for whoever arrives first. But if he goes out for a need and returns soon, there is no harm. For example, if he goes to perform wudu, or goes to have lunch or eat, and then returns, there is nothing wrong with that. However, if, by Allah, he wants to reserve a place and goes to sleep in his house, or goes out to stay up late, laugh, and joke with his companions while he has reserved a place in the Haram, that is not permissible. Yes.