Reserving a parking bay exclusively for the Imaam

Question:-

Is it permissible to have a parking bay reserved exclusively for the Imaam at the Masjid, considering that the Land is Waqf property?

Answer:-

Land donated to the Masjid is generally made Waqf for the use of the Muslim Ummah. This simply means that every Muslim has equal right in utilizing the Waqf land and no person enjoys superiority over another. It is therefore, incorrect to reserve a parking for the Imaam in a Masjid parking lot that was made Waqf for the benefit of the Muslim Ummah. If the Imaam is late, then he should park his vehicle wherever parking space is available.

Yes, there is no harm in requesting the Musallis to leave a parking bay close to the Masjid entrance vacant for the Imaam, particularly if he is an elderly Imaam and experiences difficulty in walking from a distance. However, this in no way means that the parking bay is reserved exclusively for the Imaam. If another Musalli parks in the parking bay, then he should not be asked to move his vehicle, nor should anyone look at him with contempt.

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 19 Jumadal Ula 1444 / 14 December 2022