Is it better for someone who is more knowledgeable and more learned in the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) to leave the imamate to another who is older than him in age, if some of the worshippers dislike his imamate due to his young age, even though most of the worshippers like his imamate because of the beauty of his voice?
If the younger person is the most knowledgeable and learned in the Sunnah, then he has a greater right to lead the prayer, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "The one who is most skilled in reciting the Book of Allah should lead the people in prayer..." Therefore, if he is the most deserving of leading the prayer and the majority of the congregation prefers him due to his beautiful voice, then he should lead them in prayer. This is because obtaining the reward of leading the prayer is better than abandoning it, and it is permissible to seek it.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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