Most-asked question

Who should lead the salaah as imam?

97 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 6 South African Darul Iftas (AskImam, Mufti Online, Ibn Masood, Azaadville, Camperdown, Amjadi). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.

Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.

What the Darul Iftas say

“A Ma’zoor person making Imaamat of people who are not categorized as Ma’zoor (in fact they are in a perfect state of Tahaarah) is incorrect. Yes, a Ma’zoor may lead another Ma’zoor in Salaah as long as the both are afflicted with the same llness/problem.”

Azaadville — A Ma’zoor Making Imaamat (Leading The Salaah) · 28 Feb 2025

“The Imaamat of an Imaam that sits on a chair and leads the Salaah is not valid. In the queried scenario, the Imaam will be performing Sajdah by indication, whereas the Muqtadis (followers behind the Imaam) will be performing Sajdah in a perfect manner (i.e. by bowing down fully in the posture of Sajdah).”

Ibn Masood — Imaam leading the Salaah whilst sitting on a chair · 9 Dec 2021

“In principle, the resident of the house will have the right to lead the salah even in the presence of those who are more qualified in Shariah than him on condition the Imaamat of the host will not be makrooh for e.g.”

AskImam — Who has the right of leading salah? · 26 Jul 2019

“It is not permissible for a Muqtadi (who can perform Sajdah on the ground) to follow an Imam that cannot perform Sajdah on the ground. However, it is valid to pray behind an Imam who is sitting down if the Imam can prostrate on the ground.”

Camperdown — Following an Imam who is sitting · 2 Feb 2024

Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.

Read the fatawa

  1. A Ma’zoor Making Imaamat (Leading The Salaah) Azaadville · 28 Feb 2025
  2. Following an Imam who is sitting Camperdown · 2 Feb 2024
  3. Imaamat of a Faasiq youngster Ibn Masood · 2 Jan 2024
  4. RIGHT FOOT ON THE IMAAMAT MUSALLA Amjadi · 18 Nov 2021
  5. What qualities qualifies one to lead the Salaah over another? AskImam · 9 Dec 2020
  6. Imaamat of a ma'zoor Mufti Online · 10 Feb 2019
  7. An Imaam Leading Salaah Whilst Seated On A Chair Azaadville · 14 Sep 2023
  8. Following an Imam who is sitting Camperdown · 15 Sep 2023
  9. Making Imaamat after emergence of ‘Madhi’ or ‘Wadi’ Ibn Masood · 18 Dec 2023
  10. A Shia’s claim that Imamat is mentioned in the 12th verse of Surah Mai’dah AskImam · 14 Oct 2020
  11. Imaamat of a non-baaligh child Mufti Online · 3 Aug 2017
  12. An Imaam Leading The Salaah Seated Azaadville · 24 Apr 2023
  13. Imaamat of one with incapabilities Ibn Masood · 8 Mar 2023
  14. Imaam leading the Salaah whilst sitting on a chair Ibn Masood · 9 Dec 2021
  15. Who has the right of leading salah? AskImam · 26 Jul 2019

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