Crossing Over Necks to Move Forward in the Mosque

Author: Shaykh Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani (May Allah protect him)

Question:​

What is the ruling in the light of the Qur'an and Sunnah regarding someone who steps over people’s necks to move forward on Friday?

Answer:​

When you come to the mosque on Friday, you should sit wherever you find space and avoid stepping over people’s necks to move forward. If you wish to secure a spot closer to the front rows, then arrive early at the mosque, allowing you to find a place in the front rows and earn the reward of arriving early.

Narration from Abdullah bin Busr (may Allah be pleased with him):

"On Friday, while the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was delivering the sermon, a man was stepping over people’s necks to move forward. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to him: 'You have caused harm to the people, and you came late.'" [Nasai, Book of Friday: Chapter on the Prohibition of Stepping Over People’s Necks 1398]

This Hadith makes it clear that it is not permissible to move forward by stepping over people’s necks. One should sit wherever they find space upon entering the mosque.
 
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