Question
Some Imams in other cities leave their masjids during the last 10 days of Ramadhan and go for I’tikaf in Makkah in the Holy Mosque. What is the most appropriate thing to do in this situation? Remaining as Imam at the masjid or going for I’tikaf?
يترك إمامة المسجد للاعتكاف في الحرم فما الحكم؟
Answer
Praise be to Allah, and may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family and his companions.
As to what follows:
With regards to answering your question we say, success is by Allah Almighty.
This phenomenon of Imams leaving masjids for the purpose of I’tikaf at the Holy Mosque in Makkah or Madinah or any neighbouring masjids is an example of failing to distinguish work responsibility and being ignorant of jurisprudential priorities.
The bothers who are employed as Imams at the Masjids carry a trust which they should honour. It is with no doubt that their going for I’tikaf in the Holy Masjid in Makkah or Madinah or neighbouring Masjids leaving their duties without appointing someone to do their job is breaching this trust which they are obliged to keep and honour.
They are more prone to getting sin rather than getting reward.
May Allah guide everyone to what is right and good.
And Allah knows best.
Your brother,
Dr. Khalid al-Muslih
06 / 09 / 1425 AH
Praise be to Allah, and may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family and his companions.
As to what follows:
With regards to answering your question we say, success is by Allah Almighty.
This phenomenon of Imams leaving masjids for the purpose of I’tikaf at the Holy Mosque in Makkah or Madinah or any neighbouring masjids is an example of failing to distinguish work responsibility and being ignorant of jurisprudential priorities.
The bothers who are employed as Imams at the Masjids carry a trust which they should honour. It is with no doubt that their going for I’tikaf in the Holy Masjid in Makkah or Madinah or neighbouring Masjids leaving their duties without appointing someone to do their job is breaching this trust which they are obliged to keep and honour.
They are more prone to getting sin rather than getting reward.
May Allah guide everyone to what is right and good.
And Allah knows best.
Your brother,
Dr. Khalid al-Muslih
06 / 09 / 1425 AH
