Who Should Stand Behind the Imam

Question

The imam has been told again and again that in the first row behind him there should stand a person who is fit to lead the prayer, so that, when the need arises, he can easily lead [in his place]. The imam says that anyone, even an illiterate ignorant person, may stand in the row behind him; there is no question of a second imam, and my wudu has not broken under any circumstances. Please inform us of the ruling of the Shari'a.

Answer

It is stated in the noble hadith that the Prophet ﷺ commanded: let those possessed of knowledge and intellect stand close to me in prayer (in the first row). Forgetfulness and slips attach to everyone: even the Messenger of Allah ﷺ once forgot, on account of which the sajda al-sahw (prostration of forgetfulness) was performed. This can happen to anyone.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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