Is it permissible to pray behind an imam who is negligent in performing the prayers on time, especially the Fajr prayer, and who is late in arriving, and who is unwilling to lead the worshippers in prayer, claiming that he is a khateeb (sermon giver) and so he puts others forward to lead?

Praying behind an imam who is not deemed satisfactory is permissible and valid, while emphasizing the preference for the imam who is most knowledgeable in recitation, jurisprudence, and piety. One should not defame the imam or abandon praying behind him as long as he is qualified, because congregational prayer is obligatory. The imam should be advised to improve his imamate, and the matter should be raised with the responsible authorities if necessary. The Muslim community must strive to qualify competent imams by dedicating time to studying the Qur’an and the rulings of prayer, encouraging intelligent children to specialize in religious jurisprudence, and raising everyone to be obedient and upright so they become qualified.