The imam’s arrival before the time of the congregation

Question

In our mosque the imam, deliberately, having [already] heard the adhan, comes [only] at the fixed time of the congregation — [sometimes] five or ten minutes before the time of the congregation, and [sometimes] exactly on time. In this situation some people are pleased and some are displeased. What is [the ruling on] the prayer behind such an imam? This question was written and sent to a mufti, and the mufti replied that the prayer behind such an imam is makruh.

Answer

If the imam, having got ready, reaches the mosque for the prayer exactly on time, there is no harm in that: the prayer does not become makruh because he does not come to the mosque before the [appointed] time. However, on hearing the adhan he should immediately begin getting ready, so that the muqtadis (followers) do not have to wait at the exact time.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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