Maintaining the congregation

Question

If there is no imam in the mosque, may each person pray individually after saying the iqama (takbir)?

Answer

One may. However, permanently appointing an imam and praying in congregation is necessary. So they should try to appoint a good imam; if a good imam cannot be found, then whoever is best among all the worshippers should be made imam; and if they are all equal, then whoever becomes imam, the prayer will be valid.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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