Which of the two is more worthy of leading the prayer (Imamate): a young man who has memorized parts of the Qur'an and is committed (to religious observance), or an older man who has memorized the entire Qur'an but shaves his beard and lets his garment hang below his ankles, given that both are proficient in recitation?

A man who shaves his beard is advised to let it grow. If he complies, he is then more worthy of leading the prayer (Imamah) due to his superior recitation of the Qur'an. However, if he insists on shaving it, then the young man with a beard should be put forward, unless this would cause discord. Indeed, prioritizing someone who does not shave his beard is preferable. But if putting forward the young man would lead to a significant harm, then the elder should be put forward, along with advising him. As for letting one's garment hang low (isbal) without arrogance, there is a difference of opinion on it. The majority view it as disliked (makruh), and it is forbidden (haram) with arrogance. The fatwa issued by us is that it is forbidden in all cases.