Chapter: What Is Prescribed for the Imam during Prayer

The imam bears a tremendous responsibility; he is accountable for the prayer, and if he performs it well, abundant good awaits him. The excellence of the imamate is well known: the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—and his successors undertook it, and they never entrusted it to anyone but the most qualified. The hadith states, “Three will stand upon mounds of musk on the Day of Resurrection: a man who led a people in prayer while they were pleased with him….” Another hadith affirms that he receives a reward equal to that of all who pray behind him.

If a person knows himself to be competent, there is no objection to his seeking the imamate. One of the Companions said to the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—“Appoint me as the imam of my people,” and he replied, “You are their imam, so take the weakest of them into consideration.” The Qur’an likewise says, “And make us leaders for the God-fearing” (25:74).

Whoever undertakes the imamate should give it earnest attention, fulfill its rights to the best of his ability, and he will earn a great reward for doing so. He must consider the condition of the congregants, take their circumstances into account, and avoid putting them in hardship or embarrassment.