The difference between the intention of the imam and of the muqtadi

Question

What should the intention be for one who is the imam? How does it differ from the intention of the muqtadi?

Answer

If the imam intends only his own prayer and does not make the intention of leading, his prayer will be valid. However, in order to obtain the reward of the congregation, the intention of leading is also necessary. In the case of istikhlaf (appointing a successor to the imam), leading without the intention of leading is not valid.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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