What is your opinion of an imam who checks the congregation for the Fajr prayer by counting them, but leaves some out of the count on the grounds that they are regular attendees?

The questioner : From the questions of the brother Muhammad al-'Ali, he says: Your Eminence! What is your opinion of an imam who checks the congregation for the Fajr prayer by counting them, but leaves some out of the count on the grounds that they are regular attendees, which leads to talk and disturbance? I ask for advice and guidance in this matter. May you be rewarded?

The Shaykh : Checking the congregation to know whether they are present or absent has a basis in the Shari'ah, as in the hadith of Abu ibn Ka'b that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to say: The checking is only for those whose absence is feared. As for one who is known to be present and will not be absent except for an excuse or to pray in another mosque, there is no need to mention his name. However, given the sensitivity that arises when we count one person and leave out another, I see that everyone should be counted. It does not harm the person who is regular in attending the congregation to say, "I am present." If the one who counts the congregation sees that counting everyone, whether they attend or not, is better, that is better, more preferable, and more pleasing to the hearts of people. Yes.

The questioner : May Allah bless you. This is a listener to the program, the listener Umm Ahmad, residing in Riyadh, who says in this question.