Replacing the imam out of spite

Question

The former imam and the former imam’s father, for whom [the period] was 65 years, and the former imam’s son, for whom more than 22 years have passed leading the prayer — have they no right of imamate left in this mosque? For the present builder of the mosque holds: “I built the mosque solely with the idea that none of them should lead the prayer.” Is such a mosque permissible or impermissible?

Answer

The former imam should not be removed without a Shar‘i reason, and building a mosque with the intention mentioned is not a meritorious deed but spite, which is a sin. Nevertheless, if it is a properly [established] waqf and mosque, prayer in it is valid.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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