Question:
As-salamu ‘alaykum. What is the ruling on the imam immediately after salah? Should he turn round to sit and face the congregation?
Answer:
Wa alaykum salam wa rahmatuLlahi wa barakatuHu,
It is sunnah for the imam to turn so that his left side is facing the mihrab and his right the congregation. (al-Minhaj al-Qawim v. 1, p. 263)
And Allah knows best.
Shafiifiqh.com Fatwa Dept.