Prostrating with the Noble Qur’an in front

Question

Before the Zuhr prayer the imam was reciting the Qur’an in the mosque in the first row. When the congregation stood up, he closed the Qur’an, placed it directly in front of the prayer mat and became occupied with the prayer. What is the ruling on this? May one prostrate with the Qur’an placed directly in front of the place of prostration?

Answer

When, in congregational prayer, the Noble Qur’an is not in front of the imam’s head, there is neither occasion nor fear of any confusion (ishtibah). This practice is without doubt permissible. Indeed, even if it were placed in front of [the place of] prostration, there would be no harm in it.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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