The shortcomings of an imam

Question

A month ago a certain man put his money in a paper packet, forgot it on the veranda of the mosque and left. At the time of ‘Isha’, an hour later, when he remembered [it], he came back to the mosque; the mosque was open and the respected imam was not present — he was attending a meal to which he had been invited nearby. This man turned to the mutawalli of the mosque, who was present in the mosque itself. The mutawalli sent the respected imam’s son to ask the imam.

Answer

The respected imam should acknowledge these mistakes of his and be careful in future. Everyone should continue to pray behind him; they should not create discord and division, should not abandon the Jumu‘a and the congregation, and should not leave the mosque. However, if the respected imam is unacquainted with the rulings of prayer and purification (tahara)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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