it remains subject to the original rule, so the one who reaches it first is more entitled to it, just like someone who makes space for a man on a road, then someone else passes through it. What we have stated is more correct, and it differs from making space on the road, because the latter is only designated for passing through, so whoever moves from a place within it no longer retains any right (38) to it by which he could favor another. The mosque is not like that, for it is for remaining in it, and the right of the person moving from his place is not forfeited if he moves for a need. This [person under discussion] only moved while favoring another, so he resembles the deputy whom a person sends to sit in a place to hold it for him. If the one sitting was a slave, his master would not have the right to make him stand; due to the general nature of the report, and because this is not wealth, but a religious right, so he and his master are equal in it, like all religious rights. And Allah knows best.

Section: If he spreads out a prayer mat for himself in a place, there are two views regarding it: The first is that it is permissible to remove it and sit in its place, because it has no inviolability, and because precedence is by physical bodies, not by floor coverings or prayer mats, and because leaving it leads to its owner being delayed, then stepping over the necks of the worshippers, and removing it negates that. The second is that it is not (39) permissible; because it involves encroaching upon its owner, which may lead to dispute, and because he reached it first, so he is like one who encloses uncultivated land.

Section: It is recommended to be close to the Imam; due to the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): "Whoever performs ghusl and bathes, comes early and arrives at the beginning, walks and does not ride, gets close to the Imam and listens, and does not engage in idle talk, will have for every step the deed of a year, the reward of its fasting and its standing in prayer." Recorded by Abu Dawud, al-Nasa'i, al-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah (40), and this is his wording. From Samurah, that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Attend the remembrance (dhikr), and draw near to the Imam, for a man will continue to distance himself until he is delayed in Paradise even if he enters it." Recorded by Abu Dawud (41), and because it is more conducive for him to hear.