Is it permissible to be present in the mosque from the beginning of Fajr prayer time on Friday until the performance of Jumu'ah prayer, and is it permissible to leave the first row because there is a backrest, while feeling the obligation to respect the elders behind one?
The encouragement to hasten to attend Friday prayer is established, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Whoever bathes on Friday a ritual bath (ghusl al-janabah) and then goes early (to the mosque), it is as if he sacrificed a camel..." Scholars differed regarding early arrival. Some disliked it, as it was not established from the Salaf (early Muslims) and due to fear of showing off. Others saw its superiority and that the preference begins from Fajr (dawn prayer). As for giving preference to the elderly for a place in the first row, some scholars disliked it as it is a preference in acts of closeness to Allah and obedience, while others permitted it.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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