◈ Ruling on Praying in the Nearby Mosque
Prophetic Hadith
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar رضي الله عنهما narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
"A man should pray in the mosque that is nearest to him, and should not go around searching for other mosques."
(Silsilah al-Ahadith al-Sahihah by al-Albani: 2200)
Fiqhi Ruling
- If the nearby mosque’s Imam holds beliefs of disbelief (kufr) or polytheism (shirk), it is not permissible to pray behind such an Imam.
- If the Imam is involved in innovations (bid‘ah) or open sin (fisq and fujur), then it is permissible to go to a farther mosque and pray there.
◈ Not Completing Prayer Behind the Imam Due to a Valid Reason
Prophetic Hadith
Sayyiduna Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah رضي الله عنه narrates:
A man came with two water-carrying camels at night and found Sayyiduna Mu‘adh leading the ‘Isha prayer. He made the camels sit, joined the prayer, and Mu‘adh رضي الله عنه began reciting Surah al-Baqarah. The man gave Salam, completed his prayer separately, and left.
Later, he complained to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ:
"O Messenger of Allah! We are people who work hard. Mu‘adh prays ‘Isha with you, then comes to us and begins with long recitation."
The Prophet ﷺ said to Mu‘adh:
"O Mu‘adh! Are you putting people to trial? Are you making people dislike (the prayer) and causing fitnah?"
(Bukhari, Adhan, Chapter: If the Imam Lengthens and a Man Has a Need, So He Leaves and Prays Separately, 701; Muslim: 465)
Conclusion
This Hadith shows that it is permissible to offer the obligatory prayer behind an Imam who is praying a voluntary prayer, as Mu‘adh رضي الله عنه prayed the obligatory prayer with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and then led his people in prayer.
Fatwa
Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Aziz ibn Baz رحمه الله said:
"According to the correct opinion of the scholars, there is no harm in offering the ‘Isha prayer behind an Imam leading Tarawih, with the intention of ‘Isha. When the Imam says Salam, the follower should complete the remaining part of his prayer."
(Fatawa Islamiyyah, Vol. 1, p. 263)
◈ Offering the Same Prayer Twice
Prophetic Hadith
Sayyiduna Mihjan رضي الله عنه narrates:
He was in a gathering with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ when the call to prayer was given. The Prophet ﷺ led the prayer and then returned. Sayyiduna Mihjan remained seated and did not join the prayer.
The Prophet ﷺ asked:
"What prevented you from praying with the people? Are you not a Muslim?"
Sayyiduna Mihjan replied:
"Of course, but I had already prayed at home."
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"When you come (to the mosque), pray with the people even if you have already prayed."
(Silsilah al-Ahadith al-Sahihah by al-Albani: 1337)
◈ Difference in the Intention of the Imam and the Follower
Prophetic Hadith
Sayyiduna Mu‘adh رضي الله عنه would pray with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, then go to his people and lead them in prayer.
(Bukhari: 6107; Muslim, Prayer, Chapter: Recitation in ‘Isha, 465, 181)
Fiqhi Ruling
In this case, the prayer of Mu‘adh رضي الله عنه was voluntary (nafl), whereas for his followers it was obligatory (fard).
This proves that the intention of the Imam and the followers in prayer can be different.
