The answer is no, because there is a possibility that the khunthā is male.
Nor may a boy lead an adult, ………
His statement, “Nor may a boy lead an adult,” means that the imamate of a boy leading an adult is not valid. A boy is one who has not reached puberty, while an adult is one who has reached puberty. For males, puberty is attained by one of three matters:
- Completing fifteen years of age.
- The growth of pubic hair.
- The emission of semen with desire, whether while awake or asleep.
Once any one of these three matters is present, the person has reached adulthood. In the case of a female, there is a fourth sign in addition to these: menstruation. Thus, if she menstruates, even at the age of ten, she is an adult.
His statement, “Nor may a boy lead an adult,” means that if the boy is the imam and the adult is praying behind him, the adult’s prayer is invalid, for two reasons: one based on transmitted evidence and the other on rational consideration.
As for the transmitted evidence, it is reported from the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, that he said: “Do not put your foolish ones and your boys forward to lead you in prayer …” (1).
As for the rational consideration, the prayer of a boy is voluntary, whereas the prayer of an adult is obligatory. An obligatory prayer is of a higher rank than a voluntary one. If it is of a higher rank, how can the one offering it follow someone who is of a lower rank? For if we were to deem the adult’s prayer behind the boy valid, we would make that which is higher follow that which is lower. This is contrary to analogy; rather, analogy requires that what is higher be followed, not be a follower.