What is the ruling on a follower advancing ahead of the imam?

The questioner : The questioner asks: Is it permissible for the followers to advance ahead of the imam? We see the imam of the Haram praying, with people ahead of him on his right and left. Does this count as another row?

The Shaykh : The correct view is that the imam advancing ahead is obligatory, and it is not permissible for a follower to advance ahead of his imam. The meaning of the word "imam" is that he is a leader, meaning he is a role model, and his position is in front of the followers. Therefore, it is not permissible for a follower to pray in front of his imam. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to pray in front of the imam, ahead of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). Accordingly, those who pray in front of the imam have no valid prayer, and they must repeat their prayer. However, some scholars have occasionally made an exception for what is necessitated by dire necessity, such as when the mosque is narrow and the surrounding area cannot accommodate the people, so the people pray on the right, left, behind, and in front due to the necessity.