What should the Imam do if he has a ritual impurity during prayer, whether he is standing, bowing, or prostrating? Should he interrupt the prayer and appoint someone in his place, or should he complete the prayer and then make up his own prayer? And should he stop the audible or inaudible recitation, or should he complete it?

If the Imam invalidates his ablution during prayer, his prayer becomes void, and he must leave it. Scholars have differed regarding the invalidation of the congregants' prayer. The majority opinion is that their prayer remains valid, and it is permissible to appoint a successor. They cite the action of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) when he appointed Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf as his successor. Some jurists have mentioned a detailed method for appointing a successor, using gestures to inform both the successor and the congregants.