The imam of our mosque arrives early at the mosque and sits in the room near the pulpit, and when the time comes he opens the door and ascends the pulpit. Which is better?
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The questioner : The imam of our mosque arrives early at the mosque and sits in the room near the pulpit, and when the time comes he opens the door and ascends the pulpit. Which is better: sitting in his home or in the mosque room?
The Shaykh : It is better for him to remain in his home until the time for prayer arrives, because this is the way of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), and there is no doubt that the best of ways is the way of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family). So he remains in his home until the time for prayer arrives, then he comes. When he enters the mosque, he greets those he passes by, and when he ascends the pulpit, he faces all the people and greets them.
The questioner : May Allah reward you. This is a sister asking, saying: O honorable Shaykh.
The Shaykh : It is better for him to remain in his home until the time for prayer arrives, because this is the way of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), and there is no doubt that the best of ways is the way of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family). So he remains in his home until the time for prayer arrives, then he comes. When he enters the mosque, he greets those he passes by, and when he ascends the pulpit, he faces all the people and greets them.
The questioner : May Allah reward you. This is a sister asking, saying: O honorable Shaykh.