he should stand beside him so that he can convey the Prophet’s takbīrs to the followers behind him.

Thus, these are three considerations that are absent in the case mentioned by the author. For this reason, we hold that having someone stand beside the imam in such a case is among the innovations not reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. The very term “imam” should entail its meaning: he must truly be ahead of those behind him. He is a leader to be followed, so no one should share his position, just as no one shares his actions. He precedes the follower both in position and in action. So how can we tell someone: “Step forward and stand with the imam”?

Moreover, this entails several objections:

First, he will have to step over the people’s necks. If there are ten rows, he will have to pass over ten rows. When the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, saw a man stepping over people’s necks, he said: “Sit down, for you have caused harm and come late.” (1)

Second, if he steps forward and prays beside the imam, then another person comes and finds no space, he too will step forward and pray beside the imam, so that two people are gathered there. Then a third may come, and likewise a fourth, until there is a complete row alongside the imam.

Yes, if there is no room in the mosque except for the space of two rows—the first row containing the imam and the second containing the followers—and a man enters and finds no place except to the imam’s right, then we say: this is the appropriate case