Is it permissible to pray on a raised area from the ground such as a bed if a person doubts about the purity (cleanliness) of the ground and there was no excuse such as illness (preventing him from praying exactly on the ground)? A – There is no harm in a person praying on a raised area/place such as a bed or the like so long as it was pure (clean) and he was sure he would not experience any rocking/swaying or any obstruction in the prayer. Sheikh Saleh Bin Fowzan; Al-Muntaqa min Fatawa, Vol. 5, Pg. 36, Fatwa no. 48. Leaving mosque after Adhan Q- What is the ruling regarding leaving the Masjid after the Adhan has been called? A – Abu Hurayrah saw a man leave (the Masjid) after the Adhan (had been called) and said (about him): “As for this (one), then he has gone against (the teachings of) Abul-Qasim (Muhammad, peace be upon him).” (Sahih Muslim) And to go against (the teachings) principally is prohibited. Allah says: “It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error.” (Qur'an, 33:36) So, because of this, the people having Islamic knowledge have said: Indeed it is not permissible for a person to leave the Masjid after the Adhan (has been called) except for an (Islamically justifiable) reason, such as leaving to make Wudhu or if he wanted to go to answer the call of nature, then he is permitted to leave, even if he misses the prayer as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There is no prayer if food has been served or for him who needs to answer the call of nature.” (Sahih Muslim) So, if we say that someone is waiting for the prayer and then felt the need to go and answer the call of nature or even to pass wind, since some people (may be in) need of passing wind, then there is no harm if he left and relieved himself (and) then returned. And if he was able to (catch and) join the congregation, then it is a blessing, and if he was unable to do so, then there is no harm in this. Sheikh Bin Uthaymeen; Majmoo' Fatawa Bin Uthaymeen, Vol. 12, Pg. 200. __
