Desiring the Imamate

Question

Is it permissible for anyone to covet and desire the imamate himself and to regard himself as entitled to lead the prayer in some mosque or gathering, even if he is a religious scholar or a hafiz?

Answer

The responsibility of the imamate is very weighty: even the one on whom it has fallen should remain fearful and keep praying to Allah, “O Allah, grant me the ability to discharge it properly.” It should by no means be desired or coveted. Bearing the burden [of the prayer] of all the worshippers is no small matter.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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