By Abul-'Abbaas Moosaa Richardson
An important research and study of the issue of leadership in prayers. A variety of situations are discussed towards understanding the correct principles with regards to the Imaamah and rights of those who lead the salaah.

Review:

The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: The Person who leads the people in prayer is the one who is most well-read (in the Qur'aan), if they are equal in their reading, then the most knowledgeable of them about the Sunnah, if they are equal with their knowledge of the Sunnah, then the one who made hijrah first, and if they are equal in the times they made hijrah, then the oldest of them in (accepting) Islam and let not a man lead another in his sultan (place of authority), and let him not sit in his special seat in his house except with his permission." [Collected by Muslim, full reference on the recording]

Issues Discussed:

• Is it waajib or recommended to make the imaamah according to the order in this hadeeth?
• The relevance of age in this Issue
• Does having the most Qur'aan refer to memorisation or fiqh (understanding)?
• What is the meaning of 'most well-versed in the Qur'aan'?
• The Understanding of 'do not lead a person in his place of authority'
• Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen on the one with more Qur'an trying to overrule (or abandoning) the Imaam or those appointed in authority
• What about the Imaam whose recitation is poor?
• Imaam Ibn Baaz on the recitor who has difficulty pronouncing certain letters
• What about the Imaam who shaves his beard (or has other effiminate qualities)?
• Who leads the salaah when the owner (of a property) and the renter are both present?
• Who leads the salaah with the Ruler/Governor visits?
• Which is preferable, for the upright muslim to lead the salaah or a hafidh who is a faasiq (open-sinner) to lead?
  
  This lecture will be available (Winter 2007) in full CD quality for purchase insha’Allaah.