Offering Salah behind the Imam of Al-Masjid Al-Haram through the television

937

Q: Is it permissible for a person who lives in Nigeria to offer Tarawih (special supererogatory night Prayer in Ramadan) behind the Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) of Al-Haram in Makkah Al-Mukarramah i.e. The Sacred Mosque of Makkah following the Salah transmitted through television e.g. Placing the TV set in front of him to the direction of the Qiblah (direction faced for Prayer towards the Ka‘bah), for it is possible to hear and see the acts of the Imam? Indeed, the time of Tarawih in Makkah coincides with a time when it is permissible to offer supererogatory Salah in Nigeria. May Allah preserve you!

A: It is impermissible to offer Salah (Prayer) behind the Imam of Al-Masjid Al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque of Makkah) or of any other Masjid using television. According to the legal rulings, the congregational Salah should be led by an Imam while the Ma’mums (people being led by an Imam in Prayer) stand behind him in connected rows. This is the practice of the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) while offering Salah behind the Prophet (peace be upon him).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.