The Ruling on Giving Preference in Acts of Worship
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The Shaykh: Is it prescribed to give preference in acts of obedience and drawing near to Allah, such as being in the first row and allowing one’s companion to take one’s place?
As for obligatory acts, giving preference is not permissible. Giving preference in obligatory acts is not permissible. For example, if a man has water, and he is not in a state of ablution, and his companion is not in a state of ablution, if he gives the water to his companion, he will not be able to perform ablution, and if he performs ablution with it, his companion will not be able to perform ablution. In this case, it is not permissible for him to give the water to his companion. Why? Because it is obligatory for him to use it.Likewise: If a man has a garment, and the time for prayer has become narrow, and his companion does not have a garment, if he gives preference to his companion with it, he will pray naked and the time is narrow, and if he prays with it, his companion will pray naked. In this case, it is not permissible for him to give preference.
As for non-obligatory acts, if he sees a benefit in it, there is nothing wrong with it.For example: For example, if he comes to his father and delays from the first row so that his father can enter, and he knows that his father’s chest will open up if he does this for him, then yes, he should give preference to him. But if there is no benefit in it, he should not give preference.
As for obligatory acts, giving preference is not permissible. Giving preference in obligatory acts is not permissible. For example, if a man has water, and he is not in a state of ablution, and his companion is not in a state of ablution, if he gives the water to his companion, he will not be able to perform ablution, and if he performs ablution with it, his companion will not be able to perform ablution. In this case, it is not permissible for him to give the water to his companion. Why? Because it is obligatory for him to use it.Likewise: If a man has a garment, and the time for prayer has become narrow, and his companion does not have a garment, if he gives preference to his companion with it, he will pray naked and the time is narrow, and if he prays with it, his companion will pray naked. In this case, it is not permissible for him to give preference.
As for non-obligatory acts, if he sees a benefit in it, there is nothing wrong with it.For example: For example, if he comes to his father and delays from the first row so that his father can enter, and he knows that his father’s chest will open up if he does this for him, then yes, he should give preference to him. But if there is no benefit in it, he should not give preference.