Prayer on the roof of the mosque

Question

In some mosques the Zuhr and ‘Asr prayers are held on the lower level of the mosque, while, owing to the intensity of the heat, the Maghrib, ‘Isha’ and Fajr prayers in the summer season are performed only on the roof of the mosque, even though on the roof of the mosque only four walls have been put up, with neither a mihrab nor any awning. What is the Shari‘a ruling on praying on an open roof in such a situation?

Answer

The mosque proper is the lower part, and the roof is subordinate to it (tabi‘). Going up onto the roof of the mosque without need is makruh. To leave the mosque proper and pray on the roof is contrary to the sunna.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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