The imamate of one who was disrespectful toward his teacher

Question

The scholar Khalid taught 'Abbas religious knowledge for a long time, teaching him to read and write, acquainted him with the religion of Islam and gave him a detailed knowledge of the science of fiqh. If after this the said 'Abbas, at the bidding of his respected father or brother, turns Mawlawi Khalid out of some gathering, threatens him with a beating and makes himself the leader, can such a disrespectful student be imam or not? (2)

Answer

A teacher who taught the religion of Islam and gave a detailed knowledge of the science of fiqh is a very great benefactor; his right is greater than that of a father or brother. To threaten one's teacher with a beating at the bidding of a father, brother or anyone else is an utterly base act. Such a person is not worthy of the imamate.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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