Imaam moving forward when a second person joins the jamaat

Q: I was leading salaah with one muqtadi, who was standing 1 foot behind me, when a second muqtadi joined the prayer. However, the muqtadis did not move back 1 saff, so I dragged my feet and moved 1 saff forward. However, I dragged my feet 4 times to reach my place.

1. Is the salaah valid?

2. Is it necessary for the imaam to move forward if the muqtadis don't move back?

3. Is it necessary for the muqtadis to move behind?

A:

1. It is valid.

2. Yes.

3. Yes.

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

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)