closed, or the like. In such cases, even if seeing the imam were obligatory, that requirement would be waived because of the need. As explained above, the obligations of prayer and congregational worship are waived when there is a valid excuse, and praying in congregation is better than praying alone in all circumstances.

He was asked:

Is the prayer of someone who prays with the imam valid if a barrier between them prevents him from seeing either the imam or anyone who can see him?

He answered:

Praise be to Allah. Yes, his prayer is valid according to most scholars. This is also Ahmad’s explicitly stated position, for he expressly stated that the pulpit does not prevent one from following the imam in prayer.

The Sunnah regarding the rows is to complete the first row, then each successive row, and to stand close together within the row. If someone prays at the rear of the mosque while the space nearest the imam remains empty, his prayer is disliked. And Allah knows best.