How to Arrange the Congregation When Space Is Cramped

Question

In London (through the working committee) — the Bhopal Mosque (which the ruling princess of Bhopal built as a mosque in the last century) and the Islamic Cultural Centre, East London Mosque, [aside,] since these two have large halls — most mosques and houses are such that their rooms are barely 4 yards long and 3 yards wide, so that two rows can be formed only if the first row is made to the right and left of the imam at a distance of just three or four finger-widths [behind him].

Answer

Because of the cramped space it is permitted for the rows to be to the right and left of the imam; [it is required] only that the imam’s heel remain ahead of the muqtadis’ heels. So even if the imam is ahead by just four finger-widths, the iqtida’ (following the imam) will be valid.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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