Who is most entitled to lead the prayer in a mosque that does not have a regular imam?
The most knowledgeable of Allah's Book (the Qur'an) should lead the people in prayer. If they are equal in that, then the one most knowledgeable of the Sunnah. If they are equal in that, then the one earliest in Hijra (emigration for the sake of Allah). If they are equal in that, then the oldest in age. If they are equal in that, then the most pious. If they contend (for the imamate), then lots should be cast among them. Those holding doctorates or those who have resided longest in non-Muslim lands should not be prioritized for the imamate. Rather, the one who has memorized the Qur'an best and is most knowledgeable of the rulings of prayer should be given precedence. They must prioritize the one whom Islamic law has prioritized.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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