RIYADH — The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has instructed mosque imams across the Kingdom to urge worshippers to respond promptly to the call to prayer and compete for the first row and proximity to the imam. It emphasized that reserving places in mosques is not permissible.In a circular addressed to all mosques and grand mosques, the ministry stressed the need to inform worshippers that the right to a place in the mosque belongs to whoever arrives first. It directed imams to remove carpets or personal belongings placed to reserve spots.The ministry said it had observed some worshippers reserving places in the front rows or elsewhere by placing prayer mats, canes or other items, describing the practice as harmful and an infringement on the rights of those who arrive early for prayer.It noted that reserving space in this manner is prohibited by scholarly consensus, citing Sheikh Ibn Taymiyyah, who said: “What many people do by placing mats in the mosque on Friday or other days before they themselves arrive is prohibited by consensus of the Muslims; rather, it is unlawful.”The ministry explained that such an act involves usurping space in the mosque and preventing others who arrive earlier from praying in that spot and completing the first rows in order.It added that the individual who places a mat and arrives later violates Islamic teachings by delaying himself and by taking space unjustly, in addition to forcing others to step over worshippers when he comes.The circular emphasized the removal of any items used to reserve places, describing the practice as a wrongdoing.The ministry urged that the matter be handled wisely to prevent a greater wrongdoing from arising.
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