Removing an Imam who is qualified

Question

The imam of a mosque is qualified and holds Deobandi beliefs. A few people are dissatisfied with him, but most of the people are pleased with him. They have also stopped paying his salary, saying that the imam should lead the prayer purely for the sake of Allah (without payment). The imam has already endured this situation with patience for several months. Is withholding his salary without a valid reason permissible? And can he be removed from the position of imam?

Answer

If the imam has no Shariah deficiency, he is benefiting the people, and the majority of the worshippers are satisfied with him, then he should by no means be removed. His salary should be paid so that his needs can be met. One individual has no right to remove the imam. In fact, without any fault, no one has the right to do so.

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