Title: Earlier in our masjid we used to stand as the Imam sahib entered and the Iqama was given and then we prayed normally. Now since many months the Imam sahib has started reciting Hadith from a book of selected Hadiths when he comes for Fardh Salat. Till then we sit down and wait for the Hadith to be completed and then we stand up and Iqama is given. I fear if this is an innovation (biddah) and if other masjids too starts following this way of reciting Hadith when Imam comes to lead for prayer then it may create confusion among people. Kindly let me know if this practice is correct or should be avoided?

Question: Assalamalaikum wa rehmatulah wa barakatahu, Earlier in our masjid we used to stand as the Imam sahib entered and the Iqama was given and then we prayed normally. Now since many months the Imam sahib has started reciting Hadith from a book of selected Hadiths when he comes for Fardh Salat. Till then we sit down and wait for the Hadith to be completed and then we stand up and Iqama is given. I fear if this is an innovation (biddah) and if other masjids too starts following this way of reciting Hadith when Imam comes to lead for prayer then it may create confusion among people. Kindly let me know if this practice is correct or should be avoided? Jazakallahu Khayran

Answer ID: 21096Posted on: Sep 1, 2020

Bismillah hir-Rahman nir-Rahim !

(Fatwa: 706/495/L=1431)

It is not right for the imam to regularly read hadith before salah and make the namazi hear it. If he wants to read hadith he must read it after salah.