This view is open to objection for the following reasons:

First: this representative did not come forward for himself, and someone may see him and assume that he has done a righteous deed, when that is not the case.

Second: this is a device for reserving virtuous places for one who has not come forward, whereas those most entitled to virtuous places are those who arrive there first.

The apparent meaning of the author’s words is that it is prohibited to make another person get up, even if he is a young boy.

The established position of the school is that one may make a young boy get up and sit in his place. However, the correct view is that it is not permissible to make a young boy get up, for the following reasons:

First: the general prohibition: “A man must not make his brother get up.” (1)

Second: the Prophet said: “Whoever reaches something before any other Muslim has reached it has the greater right to it.” (2)

This boy arrived first, so it is not permissible for us to disregard his right, wrong him, and make him get up.

The evidence cited by the school is the Prophet’s statement: “Let those among you who possess mature judgment and understanding stand closest to me.” (3) But this argument has no sound basis, because the intent of the Prophet’s statement, “Let those among you who possess mature judgment and understanding stand closest to me,” is to encourage people of mature judgment and understanding to come forward. Had he said, “None but those of mature judgment may stand closest to me,” then we would have had the right to make the young boy get up.