Pulling a person back from the front saff in Jamaat Salaah

Q: If a person comes last in the masjid and there is no space in the first row

1. Should he slightly pull a person from the first row to stand next to him?

2. If the person from the first row comes back to join the person standing alone in the back, what should be the duty of the men who were standing left and right of the person who went back? Should they remain in their places or move closer? What is the proper way to fill that space? 

A:

1. If the person understands the mas'alah very well then there is no harm in pulling him back, and if you are in doubt that he understands then don't pull him. Stand alone in the second saff.

2. The one on the right and left can come slightly closer and close the gap.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)