he is able to remove it, he should do so; but if he is unable to remove it, he should leave, and the followers should complete their prayer.

For example, if the impurity is on his sandals, his headcloth, or his shirt, while he is wearing trousers, then it can be removed: he takes off the shirt and remains wearing only his trousers. The worshippers may find this unusual, but there is no harm or difficulty in it. What a person ought to do is what is prescribed; if people find it strange the first time, they will not find it strange the second time.

But if he fears reproach from ordinary people, there is no harm in his leaving the prayer.

Nor may the unlettered person lead the prayer; he is one who cannot properly recite al-Fātiḥah, …

His statement, “Nor may the unlettered person lead the prayer; he is one who cannot properly recite al-Fātiḥah,” means that the prayer leadership of the unlettered person is not valid.

The term ummī (unlettered person) is derived from “mother,” since when a person emerges from his mother, he knows nothing, as Allah Most High says:

“And Allah brought you out from your mothers’ wombs while you knew nothing.” [al-Naḥl 16:78]

Linguistically, an ummī is one who can neither read nor write. This is indicated by Allah’s saying:

“He is the One who sent among the unlettered a Messenger from among themselves, reciting to them His verses, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and wisdom.” [al-Jumuʿah 62:2]

“Reciting to them His verses,” so that they may read; “and teaching them the Book,” so that they may write.

Allah Most High also says:

“So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered Prophet.” [al-Aʿrāf 7:158]

And He explained this by saying:

“Before this, you neither recited any Scripture nor wrote one with your right hand.” [al-ʿAnkabūt 29:48]