Fatwa ID: 07210
Answered by: Alimah Shireen Mangera-Badat
Question:
If he holds the mic in one hand and offers salah simultaneously, can I pray behind him or do I pray alone?
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
In Islamic jurisprudence, the validity of Salah (prayer) and the conditions for following an Imam in congregational prayer are well-defined.
The actions of the Imam in Salah must conform to the requirements of prayer, which include proper postures and avoiding unnecessary movements.
According to Hanafi fiqh, minor movements (such as holding something light) that do not distract from the prayer are generally permissible, if they do not alter the nature of the prayer.
It is obligatory for the congregation to follow the Imam in congregational prayer, provided the Imam’s prayer is valid.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The Imam is appointed to be followed, so do not differ from him. When he says ‘Allahu Akbar,’ then say ‘Allahu Akbar’; and when he bows, bow; and when he prostrates, prostrate.” (Sunnan Nasia 922).1
Holding a Mic During Salah
Holding a mic in one hand does not necessarily invalidate the prayer of the Imam if it is done out of necessity and does not distract him from the essential elements and tranquility of the prayer. This is like holding a child or a walking stick, which are permissible under certain circumstances. As Allah has stated in the Quran “And it is Allah’s Will to lighten your burdens, for humankind was created weak.( Surah Nisa:28)
Also in hadith, The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have prayed while holding his granddaughter Umamah in his arms. He would put her down when he prostrated and pick her up when he stood up. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5996; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 543).2
If the Imam’s prayer is valid despite holding the mic, especially if he is holding the mic due to a necessity, the prayer of those following him is also valid. The essential criterion is that the Imam maintains the integrity and focus of the prayer.
Given the above principles, if the Imam holds a mic in one hand while leading Salah and this action does not compromise the essential elements and concentration of the prayer, then:
– The Imam’s prayer remains valid.
– The congregational prayer behind him is also valid.
– You should pray behind the Imam and not alone, if the Imam’s actions are within the acceptable bounds of prayer conduct.
1 خْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ الْمُبَارَكِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ سَعْدٍ الأَنْصَارِيُّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَجْلاَنَ، عَنْ زَيْدِ بْنِ أَسْلَمَ، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم “ إِنَّمَا الإِمَامُ لِيُؤْتَمَّ بِهِ فَإِذَا كَبَّرَ فَكَبِّرُوا وَإِذَا قَرَأَ فَأَنْصِتُوا ” . قَالَ أَبُو عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ كَانَ الْمُخَرِّمِيُّ يَقُولُ هُوَ ثِقَةٌ يَعْنِي مُحَمَّدَ بْنَ سَعْدٍ الأَنْصَارِيَّ
2 ثَنَا أَبُو الْوَلِيدِ، حَدَّثَنَا اللَّيْثُ، حَدَّثَنَا سَعِيدٌ الْمَقْبُرِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ سُلَيْمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو قَتَادَةَ، قَالَ خَرَجَ عَلَيْنَا النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَأُمَامَةُ بِنْتُ أَبِي الْعَاصِ عَلَى عَاتِقِهِ، فَصَلَّى فَإِذَا رَكَعَ وَضَعَهَا، وَإِذَا رَفَعَ رَفَعَهَ
Only Allah knows best.
Written by Alimah Shireen Mangera-Badat
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
