If the prayer hall does not accommodate the worshippers and they stand in a row parallel to the imam, is it considered the first row?
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The questioner : In the name of Allah.
O Shaykh, we have a prayer hall in our school, but it is not sufficient for all the students. Some students stand in a row parallel to the imam. Is the row parallel to the imam considered the first row, even though this happens every day?
The Shaykh : The first row is the one behind the imam. So the first row immediately following the imam is the first row. Those who line up to his right and left do not get the reward of the first row, because this position—meaning: the position of the follower to the right and to the left—is among the permissible matters, not among the recommended matters. The position of the follower behind the imam is the sunnah (recommended practice) without doubt. If they are compelled to have someone stand to his right or left, they may stand there, but that is not considered the first row.
The questioner : Even though this happens every day throughout the year?
The Shaykh : There is no obstacle in any case. The matter is permissible, and praise be to Allah. And the standing of these people to his right and left is better than their waiting until the first group finishes.
O Shaykh, we have a prayer hall in our school, but it is not sufficient for all the students. Some students stand in a row parallel to the imam. Is the row parallel to the imam considered the first row, even though this happens every day?
The Shaykh : The first row is the one behind the imam. So the first row immediately following the imam is the first row. Those who line up to his right and left do not get the reward of the first row, because this position—meaning: the position of the follower to the right and to the left—is among the permissible matters, not among the recommended matters. The position of the follower behind the imam is the sunnah (recommended practice) without doubt. If they are compelled to have someone stand to his right or left, they may stand there, but that is not considered the first row.
The questioner : Even though this happens every day throughout the year?
The Shaykh : There is no obstacle in any case. The matter is permissible, and praise be to Allah. And the standing of these people to his right and left is better than their waiting until the first group finishes.