The ruling on reserving a place in the mosque when the person is present

The questioner:
May Allah keep you safe, Honorable Shaykh. Some people, based on the idea, Honorable Shaykh, that they come to the mosque and sit in the last row, and when the imam gives the second call, they come running and…

The Shaykh:
If he was present in the mosque and came to the mosque, there is nothing wrong with him placing something in his place to preserve it for him, and he may step away to sit in a place for dhikr (the remembrance of Allah) or reciting the Qur'an, or to expand on that, as long as he is present in the mosque. However, it is better for him to remain in his place, but it is permissible for him to step back or move forward, and his place is preserved for him; there is nothing wrong with that.

The presenter:
No, he does not deserve it.

The Shaykh:
As for if he reserves the place and goes out to his house and occupies himself with his worldly affairs, and then comes back and drives people away from that place, this is not permissible. This is injustice and usurpation of that spot.