Ruling on Imam’s Position in a Two-Storey Mosque
Source: Fatawa ‘Ilmiyyah, Vol. 1, Kitab al-Salah, p. 280
Question:
In a two-storey mosque, during congregational prayer, should the Imam stand on the first (lower) floor or the second (upper) floor, when followers are present on both levels?
(Asked by: Muhammad Siddiq, Abbottabad)
Answer:
Wa ‘alaykum as-salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh!
Alhamdulillah, wa-s-salatu wa-s-salamu ‘ala Rasulillah, amma ba‘d:
Consensus of the Muslims
All Muslims agree that if the Imam leads the prayer from the lower floor, the followers can pray on the upper floors.
This arrangement is practiced in Masjid al-Haram during Hajj and other times.
Practice of the Companions
Salih Mawla al-Tu’amah said:
"صليت مع أبي هريرة فوق ظهر المسجد بصلاة الإمام وهو أسفل"
"I prayed with Abu Hurairah (RA) on the roof of the mosque following the Imam who was below."
— Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/223, Hadith 6158 – Hasan chain
— Al-Bayhaqi 3/111
— ‘Abd al-Razzaq in al-Musannaf 3/83, Hadith 4888
This narration was reported by Salih before his memory confusion (ikhtilat); hence, it is Hasan in authenticity.
Ruling for Women
Women may also pray on either the upper or lower floor, provided there is no mixing with men.
(Shahadat, May 2004)
Conclusion
The correct and preferred view is that:
✔ The Imam should be on the lower floor, and followers may be on any floor.
✔ This is supported by authentic reports and the consensus of scholars.
ھذا ما عندي، واللہ أعلم بالصواب
