Answered by: Maulana Nazrul Islam
Question:
I have started a new job and the way I pray there is a table and then after it, there is a fireplace. The fireplace has the statue of a lion. I have just realised that now. Can you please advise if my salah is valid and if not what I can do?
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
To pray Salah while having a statue in front of a person, to the right, left, place of Sajdah, or above his head will be Makrooh Tahrimi (prohibitively disliked). (1)
Your past prayers will be valid as you were unaware of the situation and there’s no need to repeat it. (1)
However, a person is not allowed to pray in front of a statue intentionally. (1)
Only Allah knows best.
Written by Maulana Nazrul Islam
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
(1)
وان يكون فوق رأسه وبين يديه أو بحذائه يمينة او يسيرة او محل سجوده تمثال
در المختار ص٨٨ فى باب كراهة الصلوة، دار الكتب العلمية
إمداد الفتاوى ،ج١، ص٣٤٧