Is giving preference in closeness permissible or not permissible, such as giving preference in the first row to a scholar?
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The questioner : The topic of giving preference in closeness, O Shaykh.
The Shaykh : Yes?
The questioner : The topic of giving preference in closeness.
The Shaykh : Yes.
The questioner : For example, if we give preference to a scholar or a parent in the first row, and we are in the second row, and we find the father or the scholar, the Shaykh, in the second row, and we want to move him to the first row, for instance, is this prescribed, or is it disliked, or does it fall within the bounds of permissibility? May Allah reward you with good.
The Shaykh : Giving preference in closeness is of two types:
The first type is obligatory closeness. It is not permissible to give preference in this. For example, a man has water sufficient for only one person's ablution, and he is not in a state of ablution, and his companion with him is also not in a state of ablution. In this case, it is not permissible for him to give his companion this water, because he would be leaving an obligation upon him, which is using the water. Therefore, giving preference in an obligatory matter is forbidden.
As for giving preference in a recommended matter, the original ruling is that it should not be done. In fact, some scholars have explicitly stated that it is disliked, saying that giving preference in closeness implies that one is disinclined toward that closeness. However, the correct view is that it is better not to give preference. If, however, the public interest requires giving preference, there is no harm. For example, if his father is in the second row and he is in the first row, and he knows that his father is one of those men who would be upset in their hearts if their son did not give them preference, then we say: it is better that you give preference to your father. But if he is one of the good parents who do not care about such matters, it is better that he remains in his place, even if his father is in the second row. The same applies regarding the scholar. Yes.
And all praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and his Companions, and upon those who follow them with excellence until the Day of Resurrection.
The Shaykh : Yes?
The questioner : The topic of giving preference in closeness.
The Shaykh : Yes.
The questioner : For example, if we give preference to a scholar or a parent in the first row, and we are in the second row, and we find the father or the scholar, the Shaykh, in the second row, and we want to move him to the first row, for instance, is this prescribed, or is it disliked, or does it fall within the bounds of permissibility? May Allah reward you with good.
The Shaykh : Giving preference in closeness is of two types:
The first type is obligatory closeness. It is not permissible to give preference in this. For example, a man has water sufficient for only one person's ablution, and he is not in a state of ablution, and his companion with him is also not in a state of ablution. In this case, it is not permissible for him to give his companion this water, because he would be leaving an obligation upon him, which is using the water. Therefore, giving preference in an obligatory matter is forbidden.
As for giving preference in a recommended matter, the original ruling is that it should not be done. In fact, some scholars have explicitly stated that it is disliked, saying that giving preference in closeness implies that one is disinclined toward that closeness. However, the correct view is that it is better not to give preference. If, however, the public interest requires giving preference, there is no harm. For example, if his father is in the second row and he is in the first row, and he knows that his father is one of those men who would be upset in their hearts if their son did not give them preference, then we say: it is better that you give preference to your father. But if he is one of the good parents who do not care about such matters, it is better that he remains in his place, even if his father is in the second row. The same applies regarding the scholar. Yes.
And all praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and his Companions, and upon those who follow them with excellence until the Day of Resurrection.