Is it a condition for the imam to be in the center of the mosque?
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The questioner : Your Eminence, is it a condition that the imam be in the center of the mosque?
The Shaykh : The Sunnah is for the imam to be in the center, not on the right or the left. The evidence for this is that in the beginning, when three people prayed, they formed a single row with the imam among them, and this indicates the prescription of the imam being in the center. However, a hadith was reported, but it is weak: but it is weak.
It is well known from the practice of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that he would position himself in the center of the people during their prayer. For this reason, some scholars have said a sound statement: if one side of the row becomes heavier and farther from the imam, it is better for a person to be on the other side. For example, if the people line up on the right side of the row and there are many of them, we say: No, it is better to come to the left. First, because it is closer to the imam, and second, because it is closer to the center of the imam.
The questioner : Does the imam ask them to do that, O Shaykh?
The Shaykh : Yes, if he sees that they have deviated, he asks them to do so.
The Shaykh : The Sunnah is for the imam to be in the center, not on the right or the left. The evidence for this is that in the beginning, when three people prayed, they formed a single row with the imam among them, and this indicates the prescription of the imam being in the center. However, a hadith was reported, but it is weak:
Position the imam in the center
وسّطوا الإمامIt is well known from the practice of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that he would position himself in the center of the people during their prayer. For this reason, some scholars have said a sound statement: if one side of the row becomes heavier and farther from the imam, it is better for a person to be on the other side. For example, if the people line up on the right side of the row and there are many of them, we say: No, it is better to come to the left. First, because it is closer to the imam, and second, because it is closer to the center of the imam.
The questioner : Does the imam ask them to do that, O Shaykh?
The Shaykh : Yes, if he sees that they have deviated, he asks them to do so.