Whom should we appoint as imam?

Question

The neighbourhood mosque is completely without an imam, but there are two men from whom this service is taken. One of them outwardly keeps to the appearance prescribed by the Shari‘a, but he has certain faults, for example theft, backbiting (ghiba), envy and foul language. The other does not keep a beard, and his trousers are also not in accordance with the Shari‘a. Which of the two is better and more suitable for the imamate?

Answer

Apart from these two, a third, righteous person should be appointed imam. It is most unfortunate that the mosque has no imam. Let everyone gather and arrange this through mutual consultation.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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