The imam standing on a floor above ...

Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta

The imam standing on a floor above those he leads in prayer

Question

A mosque comprising of two stories was built with the qibla [direction of prayer] and manbar [pulpit] on the second floor. The imam stands on the second floor while the congregation stands on the first and the second floors.

1. Is it permissible for the imam to pray on the second floor or should the imam's place of prayer be removed and rebuilt on the first floor?
2. Are the prayers invalid if the qibla remains on the second floor?

Answer


The prayers of those who are led in prayer are valid as long as they stand on the first floor and are able to follow all of the imam's actions.

The right thing to do is to leave the mosque as it is because the location of the imam on the second floor in this scenario does not nullify the validity of his prayer or that of those he leads.

Allah the Almighty knows best.

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