Question:
Assalamualaikum
Q1-In a Shar’i Masjid does the first Saff in the Jamaat Khana upstairs have the same virtue as the first staff in the Jamaat Khana down stairs?
Answer:
It is mentioned in Raddul Muhtaar that the best Saff of the males is the first one. This is because numerous Ahaadith mention the Prophet (S.A.W.) to have said that when Almighty Allah showers His mercy on the congregation, first He causes it to descend on the Imam, then on the one standing in the first Saff behind the Imam, then on those standing on the right and left, and so on to the second Saff. (Raddul Muhtaar, Vol. 1, Page 420)
It is understood from the aforesaid that the virtues mentioned with regards to standing in the first Saff are relating to that Saff which is directly behind the Imam. (Fataawaa Rahimiyyah, Vol. 4, Page 336)
Therefore standing in the first Saff upstairs in the Masjid will not be as virtuous as standing in the first Saff directly behind the Imam.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Qasim bin Hashim Limbada
Attested to as correct by:
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
16 August 2004
29 Jumaadul Ukhraa 1425