Is it permissible for someone who is in debt to lead people in prayer?

It is permissible for someone in debt to lead people in prayer if he is fit for imamate, and there is no evidence to prevent that. As for the defaulting debtor who is able to pay but delays, he is considered a transgressor (fasiq); based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "The delay of one who can afford it makes his honor lawful and his punishment lawful," and "The delay of a rich person is oppression." Scholars have differed regarding the transgression of the defaulting debtor and whether it is among the major sins. The imams agree on the dislike of praying behind a transgressor, but they differed on the validity of such a prayer. In conclusion: There is no harm in the imamate of a poor debtor, but a defaulting debtor who is able to pay should not lead people in prayer.