Who is more entitled to lead the prayer (Imamah): a man who has memorized the entire Qur'an but has an unpleasant voice, or a man who has memorized only part of it but has a good voice and better recitation rules (Ahkam At-Tilawah)? And is the second man sinful if he does not step forward to lead the prayer, given the congregation's dislike of praying behind the first?
If the most حافظ of the congregants is proficient in the rules of Tajwid, but has a less beautiful voice than others, he should be put forward for Imamate due to the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "And let the one most knowledgeable in the Qur'an lead you in prayer." Dislike of the Imam is only considered if it is for religious reasons (such as innovation, transgression, or ignorance), not for worldly reasons.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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