Positioning in Congregation with a Man, a Boy, and a Woman during Obligatory Prayer
Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
If the prayer is obligatory, the man stands to the Imam's right, and the boy stands to his left, following the established practice of Abdullah ibn Mas'ud concerning 'Alqamah and Al-Aswad, which he narrated from the Prophet (peace be upon him). It is permissible if both the man and the boy stand to the Imam's right.
Supporting text
Some scholars refrain from affirming the validity of the prayer if the man and the boy stand behind the Imam, arguing that since a boy cannot lead men in obligatory prayers, he does not form a row with them, similar to a woman. However, others affirm validity, equating it to a voluntary prayer situation where alignment is permissible, asserting that the validity of leading a man does not necessitate the validity of his leadership for the obligation itself.