Who has more right to lead travelers in prayer: the ruler or the one who recites best? Can the ruler designate someone to lead each prayer according to his discretion, or should a regular imam be appointed? Is this right of precedence a matter of obligation or recommendation?
Presenting the most knowledgeable (Al-Aqra') for Imamate, whether in a settled location or during travel, is on the basis of recommendation (nadb) not obligation (wujub). The is to present the most knowledgeable (Al-Aqra') during travel, due to the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "If you are three on a journey, then let one of you lead you in prayer, and the most deserving of you to lead is the most knowledgeable among you in the Qur'an." And his saying: "If you travel, then let the most knowledgeable among you lead you in prayer, even if he is the youngest among you, and when he leads you, he is your amir (leader)." It has been narrated that "that one was an amir appointed by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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