Ask a Scholar June 2020
ASK A MUSLIM SCHOLAR JUNE 2020 Is prayer valid when we pray in congregation in a mosque keeping 6 ft distance between 2 worshippers? Congregational Prayer with the gaps mandated by health authorities is valid because of the necessity. It is not allowed under the normal circumstances where one can afford to stand shoulder to shoulder. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "The Iman is appointed for the people to follow (in Salah). So, do not separate yourself from him in observing the different postures; instead, when he bows down, you should also bow down, when he says, "Allah hears the one who praises Him," you should say: Our Lord, to You belongs all praise." When the Imam prostrates, you should also prostrate after him. If he prays sitting, you also should pray sitting. And form lines correctly in salah, for setting up proper lines is part of the excellence of Prayer." (Reported by Bukhari) On closer reflection of the Prophet's statement, we learn two important points: First, it makes it explicitly clear that the Imam is to be followed in Salah. Therefore, the validity of the congregational Prayer depends on one's ability to follow the Imam. That is…