If the congregant prays next to the Imam, should the Imam move forward if another worshiper arrives, or should the congregant move back? What is the ruling if latecomers arrive while the Imam and congregants are praying side-by-side in one row? Should the Imam move forward one or two rows alone, or should he move forward two rows and all the congregants behind him move forward?
If the rows of worshippers are full, and there is space around the Imam, it is permissible for the followers to advance to be on his right and left. It is better for the Imam to move forward to make space for those who are late.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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