The imam appointing someone as his substitute out of need!

Question

A certain man serves as imam in a mosque and, for some reason, goes home for a month; he temporarily put a man in his place, and it was agreed between them: “Until you come back from home, I will work in your place.” He left this man in his place and went away, and in view of some important matter [was to] come from home after three or four days; the former imam informed the temporary imam from home: “I am in great difficulty; in sha’ Allah, I am coming very soon.

Answer

When the original imam has come back, it is incumbent (lazim) upon the temporary imam to leave the mosque, that is, to withdraw from the imamate. Forcibly keeping hold of what he has seized and setting any condition for leaving is impermissible; supporting him is also impermissible.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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