Praying Ahead of the Imam in Masjid al-Haram: Ruling for Followers

Is It Permissible to Pray Ahead of the Imam in Masjid al-Haram?

Question: What is the ruling if a follower (muqtadi) in Masjid al-Haram goes ahead of the Imam during prayer?

Answer: The general ruling for a follower is that they should not go ahead of the Imam during prayer. However, the situation in Haramain, especially in the Mataf (the area around the Kaaba) in Masjid al-Haram, is different from other places. According to scholarly fatwas regarding praying ahead of the Imam in the Mataf, one scenario is that the follower should not pray ahead of the Imam in the direction where the Imam is located. However, in other directions, the follower may pray ahead of the Imam.

Another scenario is that in cases of necessity, it is permissible to pray ahead of the Imam. For example, during prayer times in the Mataf, Tawaf (circumambulation) is stopped, and the crowd can be so dense that it becomes difficult to move. In such a situation, people are compelled to pray wherever they find space. In this case of necessity, praying ahead of the Imam is permissible.

 Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi (may Allah preserve him)

❪Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy Al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia❫