Should the Imaam terminate the salaah in the case of an earthquake?

Q: If an Imam is leading an obligatory prayer in the Masjid and an earthquake strikes severely, under the Shariah, should he not suspend that salah and ensure for human safety and not show heroism? Taking the cue from the ruling on rains and harsh cold weather and the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)'s command to stay at home and pray, is earthquake not a bigger calamity? 

A: If he is able to complete the salaah, he should do so.

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

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)