Is it permissible for a person afflicted with سلس (incontinence/constant discharge) to lead the prayer as an Imam?
It is permissible for a person afflicted with urinary incontinence ( سلس البول ) to lead in prayer someone else who also has the same condition. However, scholars differ regarding his leadership of prayer for someone who is free from this condition.
Some scholars hold that it is not permissible, while others hold that it is permissible, which is the more preponderant (رجح) opinion.
Scholars of the Permanent Committee (اللجنة الدائمة) and Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen also held the view that the prayer led by a person with urinary incontinence is valid for a healthy person, citing as evidence that the prayer of one afflicted with incontinence is valid. They justified this by the Almighty's saying: "So fear Allah as much as you are able" (التغابن: 16), and His saying: "Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity" (البقرة: 286). Nevertheless, it is preferable for a healthy person to lead the people in prayer, in order to avoid disagreement.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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