What is the best place in the first row if the spot directly behind the imam accommodates two people, one of whom is the muezzin to the imam's right? Should the worshipper sit to the muezzin's left (directly behind the imam) or to the muezzin's right (not directly behind the imam)? Also, what if the spot directly to the imam's left is empty, while several people have already filled the spot to the imam's right?
If what is meant by "the Rawdah" is the area behind the Imam, or to his right or left, and close to him, then this designation has no basis in Islamic law. If the space behind the Imam is reserved, then it is better to sit to the left of the Muezzin to complete the first row, or behind the Imam on the left side if his right side is full, because being close to the Imam is better. A Muslim must advance to the first row and strive to be close to the Imam. If the first row is complete, one should then move to the second row. The left side is better if it is closer to the Imam, because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded to complete the rows one after another, starting with the first. If the right and left sides are close or equal, then the right side is better. However, if there is a distance, then the left side is better due to its proximity to the Imam and so that the Imam can be in the middle of the worshippers.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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