When does the Imam enter the mosque on Friday, and is there any Hadith narrated about closing the Mus'haf when he enters?
The recommended time for the Imam to enter the mosque on Friday is after the declination of the sun (Zuhr), when people have gathered, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to do. He would wait until people gathered and then go out to them. However, there is no impediment for the Imam to enter the mosque before this time and sit there like any other Muslim, due to the narrations encouraging early arrival on Friday for all Muslims, and because no exception for the Imam has been reported. The Prophet's statement, peace and blessings be upon him: "When the Imam comes out, the angels attend to listen to the remembrance," generally indicates that the Imam, like others, should hasten to be present if he is able to do so.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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