The Imam Entrusted the Imamate to the Mutawalli for the Time of His Absence

Question

The imam of the mosque entrusted the duties of the imamate to the respected mutawalli. The respected mutawalli is not a hafiz, but he is a venerable person, very steadfast in fasting and prayer; moreover, he is well acquainted with the necessary rulings on prayer and the imamate. Through his own efforts he also runs a religious institution, and he gives orphans and the poor every kind of help. Among the followers (muqtadis) there is one man who is only a hafiz of the Qur’an.

Answer

Since the mutawalli fully possesses the fitness for the imamate and the imam has entrusted the imamate to the mutawalli, the respected mutawalli is the one entitled to the imamate. To defame and humiliate him without reason is severely blameworthy and detestable; those who humiliate him must repent and ask for forgiveness.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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