Section

The one most entitled to lead the prayer is the best reciter who knows the jurisprudence of his prayer, …

Section on who is most entitled to lead the prayer: After Allah had explained the ruling on congregational prayer and the related matters mentioned previously, He then mentioned the rulings concerning the imam: who is fit to serve as an imam, and who is most entitled to lead the prayer? This is the purpose of this section, so he began with the one most entitled to it.

His statement, “The one most entitled to lead the prayer is the best reciter who knows the jurisprudence of his prayer”: Does “the best reciter” mean the one whose recitation is most proficient—whose recitation is complete, who articulates the letters from their proper points of articulation, and renders them in the most perfect manner—or does it mean the one who recites most often?

The intended meaning is: the one whose recitation is most proficient; that is, the one who recites it properly. What is not meant is the tajwid known today, with its nasalizations, elongations, and the like. It is not a condition that he chant the Quran or beautify his voice in reciting it, although the one with the finer voice is more entitled.

His statement, “who knows the jurisprudence of his prayer,” means one who knows the rulings of prayer, such that if something arises during his prayer—such as forgetfulness or otherwise—he is able to apply the relevant religious rulings. Thus, if there is someone who recites better but does not know the jurisprudence of prayer, knowing nothing of its rulings beyond what ordinary people know of recitation, bowing, and prostration, then he is more entitled than one who knows the jurisprudence of his prayer.

The evidence for this is the Prophet’s statement, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him: “The one who recites Allah’s Book best should lead the people in prayer.” (1)

Some scholars held a view contrary to what the author’s words imply,