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Should the imam appoint someone to take his place if his prayer becomes invalid?

31-05-1999

Question 3475

If something happens to the imam (he breaks his wudoo’), is it permissible for one of the members of the congregation to take over and lead the others in prayer?

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

If the imam loses his wudoo’ and stops praying, he can say to one of the members of the congregation, “O so and so, come forward and finish leading them in prayer.” If he does not do this, then the worshippers can appoint one of their number to finish leading the prayer, or they can complete the prayer individually.

Leading Prayer
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