The Position of the Followers
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
The first question of Fatwa No. ( 6728 )
Q1: Is it permissible for the imam to choose a place in the mosque for the scholars to sit behind him, so that if he forgets, they remind him? Is this permissible or not in the Shari'ah?
A1: It is prescribed that the ones who stand closest to the imam among the followers be those with knowledge and virtue, and those with intellect and understanding; for it is established from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) the hadith of Abu Mas'ud al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:Mishkat al-Masabih 1088 , narrated by Ahmad, Muslim, Abu Dawud, and al-Tirmidhi. The meaning is that
it is prescribed for those with intellect and understanding to race to the prayer so that they are behind the imam, and it does not mean that a place is left for them until they arrive. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q1: Is it permissible for the imam to choose a place in the mosque for the scholars to sit behind him, so that if he forgets, they remind him? Is this permissible or not in the Shari'ah?
A1: It is prescribed that the ones who stand closest to the imam among the followers be those with knowledge and virtue, and those with intellect and understanding; for it is established from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) the hadith of Abu Mas'ud al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
Let those of you who are sedate and prudent be near me, then those who are next to them, then those who are next to them
ليلني منكم أولوا الأحلام والنهى، ثم الذين يلونهم ثم الذين يلونهمit is prescribed for those with intellect and understanding to race to the prayer so that they are behind the imam, and it does not mean that a place is left for them until they arrive. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.