A growing trend is disrupting traditional practices at mosques during Ramadan and Friday prayers: worshippers reserving spaces by leaving behind items like prayer rugs or copies of the Quran. This practice is causing friction as it interferes with the established order of rows and raises questions about equality within these places of worship.
The issue stems from a desire to secure prime spots for prayer, but many believe that spaces should be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserving a place without physically being present is seen by some as unfair, denying others the opportunity to sit in the front rows.
While some view the practice as a harmless gesture to help a friend or family member, legal experts and religious leaders emphasize the importance of personal presence. “The principle of base is that the person be herself present,” they state, reinforcing the idea that a mosque is a public space built on humility and fairness for all Muslims.
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The dispute over reserved seating highlights a broader conversation about etiquette and communal respect within Muslim places of worship. As Ramadan 2026 begins in France on Wednesday, according to reports, these issues are likely to remain a point of contention.
