The imamate of a deaf man

Question

A certain scholar ('alim) is completely deaf, and he leads the prayer. At the time of the iqama (takbir) he begins the prayer [with the niyya], but sometimes the iqama has already finished and he is still standing; when the people make a sign to him, he begins the prayer. Will the prayer behind him be valid, and is it appropriate to keep him as imam when there are other scholars in the town as well?

Answer

If a deaf man leads the prayer, that too is valid. However, it may happen that at some point there is a need to prompt him and he does not hear it. Therefore it is better (afdal) to appoint as imam someone who is not deaf and who possesses the qualities of an imam.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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