We have seen the severe crowding today, so what is the ruling on a man praying beside a woman if that is due to the crowding?
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The questioner : May Allah preserve you, the honorable Shaykh, says:The questioner : We have seen the severe crowding today, so what is the ruling on a man praying beside a woman if that is due to the crowding?
The Shaykh : Yes, a man praying beside a woman or behind a woman is permissible in cases of necessity, like today, but on the condition that a person feels safe from fitnah (trial, discord or temptation). If he fears fitnah, he should seek another place, even if he misses part of the prayer. I am amazed by what I have seen of the crowding and fighting over a recommended practice (sunnah). What is the prayer in the Sacred Mosque? It is not obligatory. If you pray in any mosque in Makkah, you are in a good state. But you come to this great crowding with fighting, yes, and cursing. Why, my brother? Is it the affair of a person to come to quarrel with his brothers in this blessed month? Perhaps a person is prepared for standing in night prayer or something similar that he wants to do before his Lord, then he comes and crowds. If it is facilitated for you in a state of calm and tranquility, as the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said:Sahih al-Bukhari 636 And is the iqamah (the second call, immediately before prayer) for an obligatory prayer or a sunnah?
The student: Obligatory.
The Shaykh : Obligatory, and yet he says:Bulugh al-Maram 2:329 But to Allah we complain; the ignorance is great. We ask Allah for safety.
The Shaykh : Yes, a man praying beside a woman or behind a woman is permissible in cases of necessity, like today, but on the condition that a person feels safe from fitnah (trial, discord or temptation). If he fears fitnah, he should seek another place, even if he misses part of the prayer. I am amazed by what I have seen of the crowding and fighting over a recommended practice (sunnah). What is the prayer in the Sacred Mosque? It is not obligatory. If you pray in any mosque in Makkah, you are in a good state. But you come to this great crowding with fighting, yes, and cursing. Why, my brother? Is it the affair of a person to come to quarrel with his brothers in this blessed month? Perhaps a person is prepared for standing in night prayer or something similar that he wants to do before his Lord, then he comes and crowds. If it is facilitated for you in a state of calm and tranquility, as the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
When you hear the Iqama, proceed to offer the prayer
إذا سمعتم الإقامة فامشوا إلى الصلاةThe student: Obligatory.
The Shaykh : Obligatory, and yet he says: