Following the imaam in salaah over Skype

Q: During a special time like an epidemic, is it permissible to pray in congregation by following an imam over Skype? For example in Jumu'ah, if the imam delivers the sermon in Skype and leads the prayer, can the muqtadi take part in the congregation from their houses (which is different than the imam's)? Is this congregational prayer valid? If not, what is the basis of this invalidity according to Quran and Hadith?

A: The namaaz over skype is not valid.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)