The Islamic Ruling on Following the Imām’s Prayer Virtually Through a “Live Broadcast” in Light of the Covid-19 Crisis

A paper presented by:

Executive Summary

This paper explores the issue of following an Im​ā​m in prayer through live broadcast, whether over radio or internet, and whether this issue is acceptable according to the principles of Islamic law encapsulated in the four canonical schools of jurisprudence. Does the distance and separation inherent to following a prayer over live broadcast affect the validity of that prayer? While the issue of live broadcast was not addressed in earlier works, scholars of the four canonical schools of Islamic law have agreed that a person following the Im​ā​m from far distances (miles away without continuous rows) with the presence of obstacles between them is invalid. This ruling by classicaly trained scholars was extended to broadcasts over radio, and then the internet. A list of the respective scholars and Fiqh councils upholding this ruling is provided. The evidences that substantiate this position are laid out, from both revelation and rationale, showing that allowing “virtual prayers” and the like violate the form of the congregational prayer, the dispensations for abandoning it, and the spiritual and communal objectives of each. A survey of the classical texts reiterating these conclusions is then provided, from the Hanafi, M​ā​liki, Sh​ā​fi’​ ī​ , and Hanbali schools. Lastly, common misconceptions are addressed and advice to Masjid Administrations and the Muslims in general is offered regarding this issue.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. Introduction

ِAll praise is due to Allah, and may His praise, peace, and blessings be upon His Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his family, his Companions, and his followers until the Day of Judgment.

In light of the current lockdowns due to the Covid-19 crisis, some people are asking about the ruling on following their local Imām virtually (live-stream) in prayer, whether it’s for the Friday prayer, any of the five congregational prayers, or Tarawīh in Ramadan. Some people have started promoting this idea, and some masjid administrations are considering it for their masjid.

In this paper, we will discuss the ruling with regards to this matter in some detail.

2. What is intended when we say praying virtually with an Imām?

What we are discussing here is an Imām and a few people praying in the masjid (or any other location), and people in that same city (or outside of that same city), who share the same time zone, following that Imām through live video or audio streaming. They might follow

the Im​ā​m virtually on their own, or line-up with others within the same

household. The house of the person is far from the Im​ā​m being followed, such that the one following cannot naturally see the Im​ā​m or hear him, or naturally see those behind him, or naturally hear the one echoing the Im​ā​m’s ​takb​ī​rs (e.g. via the masjid’s inhouse speaker system).

The scholars of the four Canonical Schools of Islamic law have agreed that praying from such far distances behind an Imām is invalid:

According to all the legal schools of Fiqh in Islam, praying with an Imām virtually in such a way would be invalid. Such a far distance breaching the space between the Imām and the one following him invalidates the prayer, and this is the view of all four canonical schools of Islamic law: the Hanafis, Mālikis, Shāfi’ī’s, and Hanbalis.¹

This standard has also been applied by modern day fiqh councils, fatwa committees, and various scholars around the world with regards to the issue of following an Imām through live radio or TV broadcast (and similar); they held it to be invalid. The following is a non-exhaustive list of the boards and individuals who held this opinion:

3. Fatāwā stating the invalidity of an online congregation in light of the COVID-19 crisis have been passed by:

1. The Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America.

Their fatwa specifically discussed the ruling in the light of the Covid crisis and how praying in such a way is invalid, for Friday prayers, Tarawīh prayers, and other prayers.²

1. The European Council for Fatwa and Research.

Their fatwa specifically discussed the ruling in the light of the Covid crisis and how praying in such a way is invalid for any prayer: Friday prayers, congregational prayers, Tarawīh, Eid prayers, and funeral prayer.³

1. The Australian Fatwa Council.⁴
2. Mufti Taqi Usmāni.⁵
3. Shaykh Mahfouzh ibn Muhammad Mustafa Al-Ansāri, ​Ash-Shinq​ī​ti.⁶
4. Shaykh Mawlood As-Sarīri.⁷
5. Dr. Mustapha Benhamza.⁸
6. Dr. Sa’d ibn​ ​N​ā​sir Ash-Shithri.⁹
7. Dr. Abdullah Al-Mutlaq.¹⁰

4. Fatāwā stating that praying with the Imām via the radio, television, or live broadcast is invalid in general have been passed by:

1. The Egyptian Fatwa Committee (Dar Al-Iftaa’ Al-Misriyya):
2. Mufti Hasanayn Makhloof¹¹
3. Mufti Jad Al-Haqq Ali Jadd Al-Haqq¹²
4. Mufti Muhammad Khātir¹³
5. The Standing Committee for Fatwa and Research in Saudi Arabia (Signed by Shaykhs: Abdul-Azīz ibn Bāz, Abdur-Razzāq Afīfi, Abdullah ibn Ghudayyān, Abdullah ibn Qu’ood)¹⁴
6. Shaykh Abdul-Azīz ibn Bāz¹⁵
7. Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih Al-Uthaymīn¹⁶
8. Shaykh Muhammad ibn Muhammad Al-Mukhtār Ash-Shinqīti¹⁷
9. Shaykh Sālih Al-Fawzān¹⁸
10. Shaykh Abdullah ibn ‘Aqīl Al-Hanbali¹⁹
11. Shaykh Muhammad Nāsir-ud-dīn Al-Albāni²⁰

5. The evidence that the scholars used to substantiate their stance for not allowing congregational prayers through live broadcasts are as follows:

1. The prayer is an act of worship, and acts of worship are tawqīfi (i.e they are only established based on textual evidence from the Qur’an and Sunnah or rulings derived from them as per the directives of Jurisprudence Methodology, and as such no act of worship can be sanctioned except on the basis of Islamic legal evidence). Praying virtually, where one would not be able to hear or see the Imām or those behind him in the physical (unvirtual) sense, is an innovation in the religion, and contradicts the way the congregation has been legislated and conducted since the time of the Prophet ﷺ, praise and peace be upon him, until this day and age. The congregational prayer in Islam follows a specific form defined in the Sunnah. This form necessitates the following:

A) That the Imām and those following him gather together in one place, at one time.

B) That the people following the Imām know what the Imām is doing so that they are able to follow him.

Earlier, it was mentioned that the forms of acts of worship must strictly follow what is established by Islamic legal evidence. In terms of the congregational prayer; ​what proves that the format of the congregation is an act of worship and a revealed ritual, and not something purely based on logical deduction, are the many specific rules the Prophet ﷺ set for the congregation.²¹ Some of these rules include the following:

1. The male following the Imām should pray to his right, and not his left, or in front of him.

2. A group of males should pray behind the Imām.

3. The first rows should be filled before the second rows, and the rows should be straightened, and the gaps between the people should be filled.

4. The rows closest to the Imām are the best.

5. There is 27 times more reward for praying in a congregation.

6. There is a reward for each step of walking to the masjid.

7. Praying in Al-Masjid Al-Haram is better than one-hundred thousand prayers elsewhere, except the Prophet’s Mosque, for praying in it is more virtuous than praying one-thousand prayers elsewhere.

8. The reports excusing a person from attending the physical congregation in the masjid show that being in the congregation is intended in Islam for someone who does not have an excuse.²²

9. The narrations from the companions of the Prophet ﷺabout physical attendance of the congregational prayer are clear in this matter, unless there is an excuse. An example of this is the statement of Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) who said, “There is no prayer for the neighbor of the mosque except *inside* the mosque.”²³

This narration and others like it are clear that the Companions understood that attending a congregation meant physical presence within a designated area and with a group of people, not merely being present with them in meaning.

2. If the original ruling cannot be applied due to a valid excuse, Islamic law provides alternative rulings and/or a substitute.²⁴ Here the one who cannot congregate in a masjid or public area, can pray at home in his own congregation, or by himself. If one cannot pray the Friday prayer in the masjid or a public area, the substitute is to pray four rak’ahs (units) of the Dhuhr prayer at home.

3. If there is fear for one’s self or others due to the congregational prayer, such as the case of Covid-19, the obligation or Sunnah of congregation is waived.

4. Following the Imām from home virtually goes against all the fiqh schools which stipulated conditions which ensure that:

A) the Imām and followers congregate in one place or are in close proximity to one another, and

B) the congregation is not broken by any major physical barriers. The details of all schools are mentioned in the next section.

5. The majority of scholars say it is invalid to pray in front of the Imām. When praying virtually, many of the followers’ prayers would be invalid due to their homes being in front of the position of the Imām.

6. Allowing virtual congregations may lead to people abandoning attendance of actual, physical congregations especially in the age of unregulated fatwas. The least that could be said is that some people will become lax about doing so. Consequently, it can be fathomed that the holistic benefits for praying in congregation will be lost, such as love, unity, brotherhood/sisterhood, and cooperation, which are qualities that truly flourish through physical interaction.

6. The conditions for a congregation according the four Sunni schools of Islamic jurisprudence: Hanafi, Māliki, Shāfi’ī, and Hanbali schools:

Each School of Fiqh through rigorous study and consideration has derived from the sources of Islam factors which have to be met before the term ‘congregation’ in terms of worship can be applied in a qualified way to a gathering.

The Hanafi School:²⁵

The following conditions for Iqtidaa’ (following an Imām) are mentioned by the Hanafi school:

1. The person following the Imām cannot pray in front of the Imām.²⁶

2. There can be no row of women that come between the row of men and the Imām (the details of this can be seen in their books of Fiqh)

3. A river that has boats passing through it cannot come between the Imām and those following him.

4. A road that has vehicles which pass through it cannot come in between the Imām and those following him. It becomes invalid if the area required for two rows of people praying (from that road) comes between the Imām and his followers. The official fatwa is based on this opinion (Al-Muftaa bihi). However, if the rows of the congregation continue onto the road, then the presence of the road will not affect the validity of the congregation.

5. A large wall cannot come between the Imām and those following him, such that it causes those praying behind the wall to not clearly distinguish the movements of the Imām.

a) If that wall does not prevent them from knowing the movements of the Imām, since they can either hear or see the Imām or those behind him, ​even if the wall prevents one from accessing the place of the Imām, then it is valid to follow him.

b) Based on this, following an Imām from places which are connected to Al-Masjid Al-Harām and its doors, and are outside of it, is valid if the movements of the Imām are clear to them through hearing or seeing, and the only barrier is that wall.

c) Likewise, if one prays on the roof of his house which is connected to the masjid, or in his house which is connected to the masjid and between it and the masjid is one wall, following the Imām who is in the masjid, and he can hear the takbīr of the Imām or the one reciting the takbīr loudly behind the Imām, then his prayer is valid.

d) The one praying on the roof is allowed to pray behind the Imām praying inside the same house, as long as he knows the Imām’s movements.

6. It is also a condition that the Imam cannot lead while riding, while the one following is walking, or for the Imām to be on one animal leading while the one following is on another animal, because they are in two different places. If he follows the Imām on the same animal, his prayer is valid, since they are in the same place.

7. It is also a condition that the Imām is not on one boat while the one following him is on another boat which is not connected to the Imām’s, because that is like praying on two different animals, which is praying in two different places, and that is invalid. If the two boats are connected to each other, it is allowed to follow him, because it’s as if they are praying in one place (i.e. when the two boats are connected, it is as if they are praying together on one boat, or in the same place).

8. It is also a condition that a large empty space equivalent to two rows or more does not come between the Im​ā​m and the congregation, as well as between the individual rows of the congregation, irrespective of whether the prayer is taking place in an open space outside the masjid, or inside a very large masjid²⁷, such as Masjid alQuds​.

Based on the above, the Hanafi school would consider it invalid to follow an Imām who is far through a live broadcast. This is because:

1. They are praying in two different locations that are not physically connected. Ibn Abideen states, “Different locations (of the Imam and the follower) invalidates the prayer behind the Imam, even if the movements of the Imam are known”.²⁸
2. There are many roads, walls, and obstacles between them and the Imām.
3. Furthermore, the virtual prayer of those who are in front of the imām (i.e. their homes are in front of the mosque) would be invalid since the Hanafis require that the ones following the Imām cannot be in front of him.

The Māliki school:

The Māliki school is the most flexible of the four schools regarding the rules of following the Imām. We will look at all the relevant issues the Mālikis discuss that pertain to the issue at hand, and at the end, we will discuss the ruling of praying a “virtual congregation” according to their school:

Praying in front of the Imām:

– The Mālikis are the only school that allows praying in front of the Imām, even though it is disliked. They say it is disliked but permitted to pray in front of the Imām, unless there’s a necessity, in which case it would not be disliked.²⁹

– Imām Mālik said as reported in Al-Mudawwana: “Whoever prays in a house in front of the Qiblah following the prayer of the Imām, can hear the takbīr of the Imām, prays along with his prayer, bows after he bows, and prostrates after he prostrates, then his prayer is complete, even if he is in front of the Imām.” He said: “I do not like for him to do this.”³⁰

– Note: Here, Imām Malik allows it if they can hear the Imām’s takbīr and know when he bows and prostrates, so that they can follow him properly. The Mālikis mentioned another case that is allowed, which is if they can hear the one making the takbīr behind the Imām.

– Ibn Al-Qāsim then said: “Mālik said, ‘It has been narrated to me that in the past, [the residents of] a house owned by the family of Umar ibn Al-Khattāb, which is in front of the Qiblah (of the masjid), used to pray following the prayer of the Imām while they were in the house.’ Mālik said: ‘I do not like for anyone to do this, but whoever does it, it is valid.’³⁰

The Mālikis mentioned that the main condition for following the Imām is to know his movements in one of the four following ways:³¹

1. To see the Imām

2. To see those praying behind the Imām

3. To hear the Imām’s takbīr

4. To hear the takbīr of the one making takbīr out loud behind the Imām

Even if the one following the Imām is in a house neighboring the masjid, as long as he knows the movements of the Imām in one of the previous four ways, it is valid.

Then they differed regarding the one making takbīr behind the Imām in a loud voice. Is he an agent (wakīl) of the Imām, or just someone that notifies others what the Imām is doing. According to the first opinion, the one echoing the Imām must fulfill all the conditions of an Imām (He must be a male, adult, sane Muslim in a state of purity). According to the second, the one repeating the takbīr behind the Imām does not need to fulfill the conditions of an Imām, so it can be a female, a child, a non-Muslim, or a person who is not in a state of purity.³²

Praying on the mountain of Abu Qubays near Al-Masjid Al-Harām:

There is a mountain called Abu Qubays³³ close to Al-Masjid Al-Haram that overlooks the Ka’bah. It is disliked in the Māliki math’hab to pray on it following the Imām in the Ka’bah, because it is very far from the Imām. So a person will find it difficult to know the Imām’s movements. If one is on top of that mountain, and is able to know the Imām’s movements through vision or hearing, it would be permitted (but disliked). If one cannot know the Imam’s movements, then it is invalid³³. Ibn Al-Qassim was asked about praying on this mountain following the Imām in Al-Masjid Al-Harām. He said, “I didn’t hear anything about this from Malik. But I do not like this.”³⁴

Praying on two different boats:

It is allowed for a person who is on one boat to follow the Imām on another boat, if they are close together, such that they can hear his takbīrs or hear the one reciting the takbīr loudly after him, or if they can see his movements or the movements of those praying behind him on his boat. It is preferred for the Imām to be in the boat closest to the Qiblah (so that they pray behind him). This type of congregation is allowed whether the boats are docked or moving together, because the default is that they will remain together and will not be separated by wind or any other reason. If something does separate them, they choose an Imām on their boat to continue leading them, or each person continues the prayer by himself.³⁵

Ibn Al-Qasim reports in Al-Mudawwana, “Regarding a group of people on [different] boats following from their boat the prayer of an Imām on another boat, Malik said, ‘If the boats are close to one another, there is no problem in this.‘³⁴

Praying with a small river or a small road between the Imām and the one following:

Ibn Al-Qasim reports in Al-Mudawwanah, “We asked Malik about the small river between the Imām and a group of people who are following the prayer of the Imām. He said, ‘There is no problem in this if the river is small.‘³⁶

The Mālikis allow the one following the Imām to be separated from the Imām with a small river or a small road. The road is considered “small” if the one following the Imām can naturally see him, or those praying with him, or can naturally hear his takbīrs or the one reciting the takbīr after him. If the road or river is too large such that they cannot see or hear as previously described, then it is not allowed and invalid³⁷.

Shaykh Ali Al-‘Adwai Al-Māliki³⁸ said, “Therefore, if the separation [between the Imām and those following him] is with a large [river or road], then this is not allowed. Some of the commentators have explicitly mentioned this.”³⁹

Shaykh Muhamamd ‘Illīsh, the Shaykh of the Mālikis and the Mufti of Egypt of his time⁴⁰, said, “It is allowed for the follower to be separated from his Imām with a small river, which does not prevent hearing the statements of the Imām or his followers or seeing the actions of the Imām or the actions of his followers. The (qualifier) ‘small’ implies that it is not allowed to be separated by a large river which prevents what has been previously mentioned. ‘Or a road’ that is small, likewise [i.e. it takes the same exact ruling as the river].’⁴¹

Shaykh Ad-Dusuqi states, “As for separation by a large river, which is the one that prevents from hearing the Imām or those following him, or seeing the actions (movements) of either of them, then this is not allowed.”⁴²

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Muhammad Sālim Al-Majlisi Ash-Shinqīti says in Lawāmi’ Ad-Durar, his extensive commentary of Mukhtasar Khalīl, “It is allowed for the followers to be separated from the Imām with a small river such that they can hear his statements or those repeating after him, or see the actions of either of them. Separation with a large river is not allowed. Its definition is understood from the definition of the small (river). Imām Abu Hanifa disallowed any separation. The proof against him is that the wives of the Prophet ﷺ used to pray in their chambers following his ﷺ prayer. Ash-Shāfi’ī limited the (width) of the river to be three-hundred dhirā’ (approximately 150 meters), between him (the person following) and the lines (in front of him) or the Imām.”⁴³

The statement of Ibn Bashir⁴⁴: Separation of lines has only been permitted if the places are in close proximity to one another:

The great Māliki scholar Ibn Bashir says in At-Tanbīh, “He (Imām Mālik) disliked in Al-Kitāb (i.e. The Book Al-Mudawwanah) praying in front of the Imām in a private house (i.e. which is not open to the public). He allowed it in a house behind the (direction) of the Qiblah if there are windows through which they can see the actions of the Imām. In this (type of prayer),

there is a separation of the lines, and it has been permitted if the two places are close to one another, such as a small river or road.“⁴⁵

The statement of Ash’hab (d. 204 AH): A very wide road separating the follower from the Imām, such that he is not considered to be with the Imām, renders the prayer invalid:

Ibn Abi Zayd says, “In Al-Majmoo’ah, Ibn Al-Qāsim reports that Mālik said, “There is no problem if there is a small river or road between the people and their Imām. Ash-hab said, ‘Unless there is a very wide road (separating them),such that he seems not to be with the Imām. Such a person’s prayer is invalid, unless there are people in the street following the Imām’s prayer with continuous lines, then such a person’s prayer is complete (and valid).’⁴⁶

This statement of Ash-hab further emphasizes the point that distance and proximity matter in the madhhab of Imām Mālik. It shows that the person following the Imām should be close enough to him and those behind him such that he could be reasonably considered part of the congregation. If the distance between him and the last rows of the congregation is so vast that he would not appear to be with the congregation, his prayer is invalid according to Ash’hab.⁴⁷

The Fatwa of the contemporary Māliki scholar, Shaykh Mahfouzh ibn Muhammad Al-Mustafa Al-Ansari, regarding following an Imām online due to the Covid Crisis:

The respected Mālik scholar in Madina, Shaykh Mahfouzh ibn Muhammad Mustafa Al-Ansari was asked⁴⁸, “Is it allowed, according to the Mālik school to pray with a live online broadcast, if a person is in his house and following a masjid that is far from him but in the same city, such that he wouldn’t naturally be able to hear the takbīrs, even with the masjid’s broadcasting system, or see any of those behind the Imām?” He replied: “It is invalid! If a person is not in the masjid, there can only be a small barrier such as a small river or road that does not prevent the follower from seeing the Imām or those behind him, or hearing the Imām or the one repeating the takbīr out loud behind him. If a person has roads or buildings between him and the Imām and those behind him such that they would not be able to physically see or hear the Imām or those behind him, then he is too far from the congregation, and the prayer is invalid.”

Conclusion regarding the Mālik Madhhab:

From the previous rules explained according to the Māliki school, it becomes evident that:

– A person following the Imām has to be physically close enough to naturally see or hear the Imām or those praying with him.

– Only small separations are allowed between the Imām and those following him, and not large ones that would prevent natural seeing or hearing.

– The default ruling is to be physically connected to the Imām, through continuous rows. Imām Malik only made the previously mentioned exceptions based on the cases he saw from the Prophet’s ﷺ Companions, which were still in line with the spirit of the congregation by

A) being in close proximity to the Imām

B) and being able to naturally follow the movements of the imām. This point is emphasized by Imām Ibn Bashir, when he says, “In this (type of prayer), there is a separation of the lines, and it has been permitted if the two places are close to one another, such as a small river or road.”

– The previous statement of Al-Majlisi states that Imām Abu Hanifah did not allow any separation. Imām Ash-Shāfi’ī made the separation limited to 300 dhirā‘s. The Mālikis, allowed a small separation that allows seeing/hearing the Imām or those with him due to the reports of the wives of the Prophet ﷺ praying from their homes following the Prophet ﷺ.

– With that said, following the Imām through an online broadcast from a distance that would not allow a person to naturally see or hear the Imām or the one making takbīr behind him goes against the conditions the Māliki scholars have placed for a valid congregation.

The Shāfi’ī School:

According to the Sh​ā​fi’​ī’​s, the prayer of anyone who prays in front of the Im​ā​m is invalid, however observing the prayer in a manner directly parallel to the Im​ā​m is permitted⁴⁹.

As a general rule according to the Sh​ā​fi’​ī’​s, the Imām and the one following him must be considered physically congregated in the same general area so that the sentiment of the congregational prayer, mutual love, and cooperation can be manifested.⁵⁰

In addition, the Sh​ā​fi’​ī’​s mention three scenarios regarding the stipulations of following an Im​ā​m, as follows:

The first scenario: ​If both the Im​ā​m and the one following him are in the masjid and/or it’s courtyard⁵¹, the following two conditions apply:

1.​ ​ The one following the Im​ā​m must be aware of the transitional movements of the Im​ā​m by either seeing him directly, or those behind him, or hearing him or the one repeating the takb​ī​rs behind him⁵².

2.​ ​ There cannot be a barrier, such as a wall, a sealed door⁵³ or room between the Imam and the one following him which prevents him from ​reaching the Im​ā​m from within the masjid or its courtyard, without having to exit the masjid or its courtyard to be able to do so.

1. If however, there is a barrier with an opening, such as an open door, between the Imam and one the following him, which allows for the one following him to reach him without existing the masjid or its courtyard; then observing the congregational prayer in this manner is considered permissible, irrespective of them having to walk in different directions or having to turn their backs to the Qiblah in order to reach the place of the Im​ā​m.

If both of these conditions are fulfilled, following the Im​ā​m in prayer is considered correct, even if there exists a large gap between the Im​ā​m and the one following him, due to the masjid being considered one place that has been designated for the congregational prayer. Thus, anyone ​in the masjid​ following the Im​ā​m is considered to be part of the congregation.⁵⁴

The second scenario: ​If both the Im​ā​m and the one following are outside the masjid.

The third scenario:​ if the person following the Im​ā​m is outside the masjid and the Im​ā​m is inside the masjid, or vice versa.

For these last two cases, four stipulations are listed, as follows:

1.​ ​ The one following the Im​ā​m must know the transitional movements of the Im​ā​m by either seeing him directly, or those behind him, or hearing the takb​ī​rs of the Im​ā​m, or the one repeating the takb​ī​rs behind him⁵⁵, as would be the case if they were both in the masjid.

2.​ ​ There is no barrier which prevents the one following the Im​ā​m from either directly ​seeing the Im​ā​m, or seeing those who can see the Im​ā​m.

3.​ ​ There must be the possibility for the one following the Im​ā​m to be able to reach the Im​ā​m without having to turn their back to the direction of the Qiblah⁵⁶​. However, needing to turn right or left in order to reach the Imām is permissible⁵⁷​.

-​ ​The one following must be within approximately 300 dhirā’ (roughly 150 meters) of the masjid or the last row praying outside the masjid. Hence, there can be no more than 300 dhirā’ between each row or individuals from all directions. If the distance exceeds that, the prayer is considered invalid for those standing beyond the allowed distance; since they would be considered to be disconnected from the congregation due to being too far away from it.

Importantly, a separation created by a large road or river does not affect the validity of the congregation, as long as all of the previous stated conditions are fulfilled.

Based on the above mentioned conditions, following the Im​ā​m from home via a live broadcast would be invalid according to the Sh​ā​fi’​ī​ school because:

a.​ ​The person following would not be considered to be physically congregated in the same general area, and as a

result the objectives of the congregational prayer are not established or manifested.

b.​ ​The person following would be doing so beyond the allowed distance of 300 dhir​ā​’s (approx. 150 meters).

c.​ ​There are barriers preventing the person following in this manner from reaching the Im​ā​m.

d.​ ​The person following cannot directly see the Im​ā​m or those praying behind the Im​ā​m.

e.​​ In addition; It is possible for the person following to be situated in front of the Im​ā​m. This would be another reason

for the prayer to be invalid within the math-hab.

The Hanbali School:

According to the Hanbali school, the prayer of anyone who prays in front of the Imām is invalid.⁵⁸

Also, the prayer of any man who prays in a row by himself is invalid. The Hanbali madhhab is the only one that holds this view.⁵⁹

The cases related to the stipulation follow the Imām can be summarized into the following two main categories.:

Case one: Both the Imām and those following him are in the masjid.

In such a case the prayer is valid, as long as they can hear the takbīr, even if they cannot see the Imam, or those behind the Imam. This is because they are in the same place of congregation.⁶⁰

Case two: They are both outside the masjid, or the Imām is in the masjid and the one following the Imām is outside the masjid (or vice versa).

In this case, the one following must be able to physically see the Imām or those praying behind the Imām. If he can hear the takbīrs, but cannot see anyone praying behind the Imām, the prayer is considered invalid.

Beyond being able to see the Imām or the rows behind him, the Hanbali school also stipulates that there be nothing that “interrupts” the congregation. For example, if the rows are separated by a road or river (which ships sail through), or the imām is on one boat and those following him are on another, the prayer is deemed invalid – even if the rows behind the Imām can be seen – due to the interruption.⁶⁰

Based on the above mentioned conditions, following the Imām from home through a live broadcast would be invalid according to the Hanbali school, because:

1. The one “following” the Imām cannot see the Imām or those behind the Imām.
2. There are many barriers that come between him and the Imām
3. If the one following is praying in front of the Imām that would be another reason for the prayer to be invalid.
4. If a man is praying in a row by himself, that would be another reason for his prayer to be invalid.

Based on the above, a virtual congregational prayer over the internet does not meet the conditions for the congregational prayer as laid down by the four legal fiqh schools.

Conclusion regarding the four schools of Fiqh:

Based on this detailed analysis of the conditions and rules of congregation in the four schools of Fiqh, it becomes clear that none of the schools would validate praying via a live broadcast ​and consider a congregation to have

taken place.

7. Common misconceptions:

1) Some have said that a virtual congregational prayer would be permissible according to Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah. This, however, is based on a misunderstanding of one of his quotes. Here is what Ibn Taymiyyah actually said: “If there is a barrier between the Imām and the one following him, whether he is inside the masjid or outside, then:

1. If the rows are continuous, this is allowed by agreement of the scholars.
2. If there is a road passing by them, or a river through which ships run through, then there are two known opinions, and they are two opinions reported from Ahmad: The first is it is not allowed, like the opinion of Abu Hanifah. And the second is that it is allowed, like the opinion of Ash-Shāfi’ī.
3. However, if there is a barrier which prevents them from seeing (the Imām or those behind him), and having access (to walk to the Imām due to closed doors, etc.) then there are several opinions regarding this in the madhab of Imām Ahmad and others. Some said it is allowed. Some said it is not allowed. Some said it is allowed in the masjid and nowhere else. Some said, it is allowed due to necessity, and is not allowed without a necessity. There is no doubt that it is allowed due to necessity, mutlaqan (i.e. in the masjid and outside the masjid); such as if the doors of the masjid are closed, or the quarter in which the Imām is praying is closed, and so forth. If seeing the Imām (or those behind him) is a condition, it would be waived due to necessity, as previously mentioned. It was previously mentioned that the obligations of the prayer and the congregation are waived due to a valid excuse…”⁶¹

To understand this statement, we must also understand that Shaykh Al-Islam considers the continuation of rows to be a condition for the congregation⁶². Therefore, his quote above means that if the doors of the masjid are closed and they cannot see the Imām and those behind him as a result, the prayer would be permissible due to a necessity, as long as those outside the Masjid can hear the Imām’s takbīrs.

2) Some said: scholars have allowed praying in the rooms of hotels overlooking the haram of Makkah, which would necessitate the permissibility of virtual congregations?

Regarding this, the scholars who allowed it did so based on the fact that:

1. The worshippers are still in the same vicinity, as the rows from the masjid continue all the way up to the mentioned hotels, thus ensuring that the congregation is not interrupted.
2. The worshippers in the hotel can see the rows of worshippers behind the Imām through the windows overlooking the Haram and its courtyard.

In light of the above, we see that this is different from someone praying miles away through a live stream, as they are completely detached from the actual physical congregation, and are joining in from an entirely different location. This goes against the essence of the congregational prayer and the aims of the congregational prayer in Islam, as previously mentioned.

Advice to the Masjid Administrations and to the Muslims in general:

1. Leave what is doubtful- The greatest act of worship in Islam after the testimony of faith is the prayer. One must ensure that it is performed correctly. One should stay away from any doubtful matters that could make their prayers invalid. The Prophet ﷺ said, “The permissible is clear and the forbidden is clear, and between them are gray areas.” Praying behind a virtual Imām is clearly forbidden according to the four madhhabs and has been declared invalid by all the contemporary Fiqh councils. Considering it to be from the “gray areas” is actually a stretch. Even if there are other opinions floating around, stick to what the overwhelming majority of scholars are saying. The Prophet ﷺ told us that avoiding the gray areas is safer for one’s religion.

2. Masjid administrations should focus on teaching their congregation how to pray at home in an effective manner in light of current circumstances, and hold Qur’an classes and prayer workshops with their community members.

3. Opening the door for following the congregational prayer virtually has the potential to lead to a lot of harm in the future. It will be a door that will never easily be closed again, especially given how unregulated matters pertaining to Islamic verdicts are today in countries whereby Muslims live as a minority. Many people will use this “opinion” whenever they see fit.⁶³

4. There are some reputable scholars who have opined that following a virtual imām may be valid under certain circumstances. While those scholars retain their due respect, their opinion in this matter is shādh (anomalous). The overwhelming majority of scholars have rejected this statement and give it no weight, and have warned the ummah from what is tantamount to religious innovation. However, we distinguish between the invalidity of an opinion and the honor of the one who held it in general, as is the case with any anomalous opinions that may come from a person of knowledge.

5. For Masjids that are facing financial difficulties, it is advised that an effective effort is enacted focussing on the establishment of endowments (Awqāf) that can look after the Masjid and its processes, as well as its wider activities and services towards the community in a substantial and pragmatic manner for the long term.

We ask Allah to grant us all beneficial knowledge and righteous actions that will bring us closer to Him. We ask Allah to remove this hardship and pandemic from us, to shower us with His mercy, and to protect us from His anger and punishment.

Allah knows best, and may His praise, peace and blessings be upon His Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and all of his family, Companions, and followers until the Day of Judgment.

Footnotes:

1. Each of the four canonical Fiqh Schools have their own specifics in terms of the distance that would invalidate one’s following of the Im​ā​m.
2. https://www.amjaonline.org/remote-jumah-prayer/, https://www.amjaonline.org/fatwa/en/87755/taraweeh-prayers-in-the-midst-of-the-covid-19coronavirus-pandemic
3. https://www.e-cfr.org/blog/2020/04/17/%d8%a3%d8%ad%d9%83%d8%a7%d9%85-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b5%d9%8a%d8%a7%d9%85-%d9%81%d9%8a-%d8%b6%d9%88%d8%a1-%d9%81%d9%8a%d8%b1%d9%88%d8%b3-%d9%83%d9%88%d8%b1%d9%88%d9%86%d8%a7/
4. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=2584065358549050&set=pcb.2584065398549046
5. The fatwa by Mufti Taqi was sent as a voice message to Shaykh Javaid Iqbal from Birmingham (Im​ā​m, and teacher at Madinatul Uloom al-Islamiyyah, Kidderminster.), and was translated from Urdu to English by Shaykh Javaid and then sent to Dr. Ahmad ibn Samih Abdel-Wahab. The fatwa will be available online in audio and in written form. The fatwa states the following: “According to me, there is no basis for online Jumu’ah or online Tarawih. Such a salah will not be valid. Neither will Jumu’ah salah nor Tarawih salah be valid if a person performs it in this manner. This is because it is necessary for the validity of following (iqtida) of the Im​ā​m that the followers be behind the Im​ā​m and that they be in such proximity [to the Im​ā​m] that they can actually be considered followers. Thus, to say salah will be valid through this online method is incorrect. “The Imam has been appointed to be followed.” Included in this is for the follower (muqtadi) to be behind the Im​ā​m and to be following him. Following an Im​ā​m with such a large gap in between has no evidence to support it from the Qur’an and Sunnah. Also, when the sacred law (Shari’ah) has ordered that Zuhr salah be performed if Jumu’ah has been missed, Zuhr salah should be performed. The real objective is to execute the command of Allah and to follow His order. Fulfilling one’s desire is not part of the religion (din), i.e., [to say] it is our desire to perform Jumu’ah and Tarawih, and so this is how we are going to do it. Thus, this is not correct. According to me, it is totally impermissible. May Allah Most High grant us correct, sound understanding.”
6. A recognised M​ā​liki scholar. His fatwa was given to Dr. Ahmad ibn Samih Abdel-Wahab, over the phone, and will be stated shortly.
7. https://youtu.be/dOWhithHQMI
8. ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf5QkQmYtQ8
9. https://youtu.be/SFdlel5pgAg
10. ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2Vgn3ZcB4o
11. Fat​ā​wa Dar Al-Iftaa’ Al-Misriyya, vol. 1, p. 25, answered by Shaykh Hasanayn Muhammad Makhl​oo​f
12. Fat​ā​wa Dar Al-Iftaa’ Al-Misriyya, vol. 1, p. 68, answered by Shaykh Muhammad Khatir
13. Fat​ā​wa Dar Al-Iftaa’ Al-Misriyya, vol. 1, p. 84, answered by Shaykh Jad Al-Haqq Ali Jad Al-Haqq
14. Fat​ā​wa Al-Lajna Ad-Da’ima, vol. 8, p. 26, no. (1759), signed by Ibn Baz, Abdullah Al-Ghudayyan, Abdur-Razaq Al-Afifi, Abdullah ibn Qu’​oo​d.
15. https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/27920/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D9%84% D8%A7%D8%A9-%D8%AE%D9%84%D9%81-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B0%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8 %B9
16. Ash-Sharh Al-Mumti, vol. 4, p. 299-300, Fat​ā​wa Arkan Al-Islam, p. 387, 388.
17. ​Sharh Zaad Al-Mustaqni’, 62/11 (shamela): https://app.turath.io/book/7696?page=1196
18. Al-Muntaqa min Fat​ā​wa Al-Fawzan, 65/25, no (50)
19. Fat​ā​wa Ash-Shaykh Abdullah ibn Aq​ī​l, vol. 1, p. 192.
20. https://youtu.be/ykVeQVcd5eo
21. The difference of opinion regarding the details of these issues are not intended to be discussed here.
22. Al-Awsat fi al-Sunan, 4/134
23. Al-Awsat fi al-Sunan (4/135), (Al-Muhall​ā​ (4/195). This narration was considered authentic by Sh. Ahmed Shakir.
24. Al-Qaw ​ā​ ’id Al-Fiqhiyya wa tatb ​ī​ q ​ā​ tuha fil math ​ā​ hib Al-Arba’ah, 1/518
25. Summarized from Maraqi Al-Falah, p. 111, ad-Dur – al-Mukhtār 1/584 – 588), Radd alMuhtār ‘alā ad-Dur al-Mukhtār 1/585-589.
26. See: ​Al-Mabsoot, p. 43.
27. As for masjids that are not very large, then a large space between the Imam and the congregation, or between the rows of the congregation does not invalidate the prayer behind the Imam. See: Radd Al-Muhtar, 1/585
28. ​Radd Al-Muhtar, 1/588
29. See: ​Minah Al-Jaleel, 1/365.
30. ​Al-Mudawwana,1/175
31. See: ​Minah Al-Jaleel, 1/376.
32. The Mountain of As-Safā used to be attached to its base
33. Mawahib Al-Jaleel, 2/107.
34. Al-Mudawwana, 1/175.
35. See: ​At-Taj wal-Ikleel, 2/450, ​Minah Al-Jaleel 1/374, ​Ash-Sharh Al-Kabeer ma’a Hashiyat Ad-Dusuqi, 1/336, Lawaami’ Ad-Durar 2/495
36. Al-Mudawwana, 1/176.
37. Sharh Al-Kharaashi, 2/36, Ash-Sharh Al-Kabeer, 1/336.
38. A recognised and respected M​ā​liki scholar and jurist who died in 1189 AH
39. Hashiyat Al-‘Adawai ‘ala Sharh Al-Kharaashi 2/36
40. In the year 1270 AH, he was the head of the M​ā​liki ​Mashyakha and the Mufti of Egypt.
41. Minah Al-Jalīl, 1/375.
42. ​Hashiyat Ad-Dusuqi ‘ala Ash-Sharh Al-Kabeer, 1/336.
43. ​Lawāmi’ Ad-Durar, 2/496
44. He is Abu At-Tahir Ibrahim ibn Abdus-Samad ibn Bashir At-Tanookhi Al-Mahdawi. A respected M​ā​liki scholar who died after the year 536 AH.
45. ​At-Tanbīh ‘alaa Mabaadi’ At-Tawjī​h, 1/435.قال ابن بشير: كره في الكتاب الصلاة بين يدي الإمام في دور محجورة ، وأجازه إن كان في دور دبر القبلة إذا كانت هناك كوى ينظرون منها إلى أفعال الإمام. وفي هذا تفرقة الصفوف. وقد أجيزت إذا تقارب الموضعان نحوه كالنهر والطريق الصغير
46. An-Nawādir Waz-Ziyādāt, 1/295-296.
47. This is the opinion of Im​ā​m Ash-hab. We previously mentioned though that the official M​ā​liki opinion is that if the person following can ​naturally ​ hear or see the Im​ā​m or those behind him, then he is close enough. If he cannot then he is too far. Both opinions emphasize that distance matters when it comes to the validity of the congregation
48. The questioner was Dr. Ahmad ibn Samih Abdel-Wahab, on 20/8/1441 AH, 13/4/2020 AD.
49. See al-Minhāj, pg. 121.
50. Al-Imām Al-Khatīb ash-Shirbīni mentioned in Mughnī al-Muhtāj (1/494-495) that if this was not a condition, and the person sufficed with merely knowing the transitional movements of the Imam, the command to “rush” to prayer and the call to the congregation would become obsolete. A person could merely pray in their respective market, shop, or house following the Imam’s prayer in the masjid just by knowing his transitional movements.
51. See Mugnī al-Muhtāj 1/495.
52. See al-Minhāj pg. 122.
53. As for a closed door, or a locked door that can be unlocked and opened, then it takes the same ruling as an open door if it’s in the masjid or it’s courtyard.
54. See Mughni al-Muhtaaj, 1/495
55. See al-Minhaaj, pg. 122.
56. Therefore, if there is a barrier which prevents the one following the Imām from reaching him entirely, or causes a person attempting to reach him to turn their back towards the qiblah, the congregation would not be considered valid.
57. See Nihāyatul al-Muhtāj ma’a Hāshiyah Ash-Shubramulsi, 2/205.
58. Ar-Rawd Al-Murbi’, p. 135.
59. Ar-Rawd Al-Murbi’, p. 136.
60. See: Al-Iqnaa’, 1/266, ِAr-Rawd Al-Murbi’, p. 136-137
61. Al-Fat​ā​wa Al-Kubra, vol. 2, p. 333.
62. See: Al-Ins​ā​f 4/446, ​Majmoo’ Al-Fata​ā​wa, 22/263
63. This is further clarified by AMJA (Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America) in its Fatwa when it stated: “​Furthermore, if we permit virtual congregational prayers through broadcast at this time, it will be used as a pretext to continue permitting these forms of prayer even after this pandemic ends. People will choose to attend Jumu‘ah and other congregational prayers through broadcast in their places of residence and/or work, thereby resulting in a failure to fulfill the intent of the Legislator (Allah) in congregating the Muslims in the houses that He has permitted to be raised so that His Name be mentioned therein (i.e., the mosques). https://www.amjaonline.org/fatwa/en/87755/taraweeh-prayers-in-the-midst-of-the-covid-19coronav irus-pandemic