What is the ruling on praying behind the imam from a hotel via television? Ali Fakhr, a fatwa secretary at Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta, addressed this question and explained that the ruling depends on whether the prayer rows are connected between the hotel and the mosque.

Ruling on Praying From a Hotel Behind the Imam

The Dar Al-Ifta representative explained that there are two situations when considering whether someone may pray behind the imam from a hotel while watching the prayer on television.

The first concerns a continuous connection between the prayer rows. The second applies when there is a physical separation and the rows do not extend to the place where the person is praying.

When Is Prayer From the Hotel Valid?

If the rows of worshippers are continuous and extend from the Haram until they reach the hotel lobby or the place where the woman is praying, the prayer is considered valid because the rows remain connected to the imam and the congregation.

Therefore, being inside a hotel does not by itself prevent a person from following the imam as long as the required connection between the rows exists.

When Is Praying Behind the Imam Through a Screen Invalid?

If there is a separation between the hotel and the Haram and the prayer rows do not extend to the worshipper’s location, merely following the imam through a television screen is not sufficient for the prayer to be valid, according to the explanation given by the Dar Al-Ifta representative.

Simply seeing the imam on a screen does not establish the required connection when the prayer rows themselves are disconnected.

What Should a Worshipper Do if the Rows Are Not Connected?

If there is a gap between the hotel and the Haram and the rows do not extend to the worshipper’s location, she should go down to the prayer area and join the end of the connected rows so that she can properly follow the imam.

Conclusion

The ruling on praying behind the imam from a hotel via television depends on whether the prayer rows are connected. If the rows extend continuously to the hotel, the prayer is valid. If there is a separation and the rows do not reach the worshipper, watching the imam through a screen alone is not sufficient.

Can I pray behind the imam from a hotel via television?

According to the explanation, this is valid when the prayer rows are continuous and connected to the hotel.

Is watching the imam on television enough?

No. Watching the imam alone is not sufficient if there is a separation and the prayer rows are not connected.

What should a woman do if her hotel is separated from the Haram rows?

She should go to the prayer area and join the end of the connected rows.

Is prayer inside a hotel valid if the rows extend to it?

Yes, when the rows are continuous and connected to the congregation.