The Row Behind the Imam Shorter, the Next One Longer

Question

We have an Eidgah (open ground for the Eid prayer) which is being repaired, and the imam's place has been moved slightly forward. As a result, the row that will form behind the imam will consist of fourteen people, while the row after it is of about 100 people. May the short row be formed first and the long row behind it? Kindly shed light on this according to the Shari'a.

Answer

If, because of the lack of space behind the imam, the [first] row is of fourteen people and behind it there is a row of 100 (one hundred) people, then according to the Shari'a there is no harm in this; it is correct. Editor's note: it is evident from the text cited [in the footnote] that the first row, i.e. [the row] in the maqsura (the enclosure for the rulers)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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