Which is better: leading the prayer (Imamate) or the Adhan and Iqamah?

Scholars have differed regarding the preference of leading prayer (Imamah) over calling to prayer (Adhan). Some preferred Imamah because it was the position of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Rightly Guided Caliphs, while others preferred Adhan, basing their view on prophetic traditions such as Allah’s saying: (And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allah and does righteousness) [Fussilat/33], and the Prophet’s saying: (The Mu'adhdhins will have the longest necks on the Day of Resurrection).

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymin favored the Adhan over the Imamah due to the narrations mentioning its virtue.

It should be noted that the basis for preference lies in sincerity and perfection of the action.