The Ruling on an Imam Who Does Not Lead the Prayer Despite Taking a Salary

Question

The muqtadis (followers) of a congregational (jami‘) mosque are displeased with its imam because he never leads the prayer on time. When the muqtadis ask him, “Please come to the congregation regularly and lead the prayer,” he says, “I receive a salary at the madrasa, so I am not bound to the imamate of the mosque.” Yet every year, in blessed Ramadan, a large sum is presented to him.

Answer

An imam who, despite taking a salary, does not keep regularity, refuses to lead the prayer and says, “I receive a salary from the madrasa and am not bound to the imamate,” is not entitled to the salary for the imamate. The worshippers should make a permanent arrangement for their imam.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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