The Imam’s Early Arrival at the Mosque Before the Adhan

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, the imam of a mosque wishes to arrive early before the adhan or immediately after it. However, I have been informed that a scholar issued a fatwa stating that the imam’s early arrival at the mosque is contrary to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), as he would not arrive except at the time of the iqamah. Is this statement correct?

Answer:
This is correct. The imam has the choice: if he wishes, he may come early and sit in the mosque until the iqamah, or if he wishes, he may pray at home, sit at home, and then come. The matter is broad in this regard, and praise be to Allah, except on Friday. On Friday, it is better for him to stay at home or in a place outside the mosque until the time for departure, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did and as the scholars used to do. This applies to Friday. As for the other obligatory prayers, if he wishes, he may come and sit in the mosque, or if he wishes, he may sit at home until the iqamah comes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you,