Q: It has been observed in madaaris, khanqaas, marakis and masaajid in general that students, mureeds, mamoors and general musallies at the time of iqaamat forego their place of the front saff by stepping backward into the second saff to give preference to the ustaad, shaikh, ameer or another Muslim in general, to take their place in the front saff. At times these individuals are in the saff well before hand. On the other hand the one given preference comes much later or even a short while before salaah. Can Mufti Sahib please explain if it is correct to do this? Can one forgo one’s reward for another? Please shed any other information you have on this subject.
A: It is permissible if it is for a more senior person in piety or `ilm.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)