Since this is the objective, it must be pursued by the means most directly conducive to it, and then by the next most direct. When choosing between two men, whichever of them is better suited to achieving that objective should be appointed. Thus, if the office consists only of leading the prayer, for example, precedence should be given to the person whom the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) gave precedence, as he said: “The person most versed in the Book of Allah should lead the people in prayer. If they are equal in recitation, then the one most knowledgeable of the Sunnah; if they are equal in knowledge of the Sunnah, then the one who emigrated earliest; and if they are equal in emigration, then the eldest. No man should lead another in prayer within the latter’s domain of authority, nor sit in his special seat of honor without his permission.” Muslim related it (1).

If two men are equally qualified, or it is unclear which of them is more suitable, lots should be drawn between them. Sa‘d ibn Abī Waqqās likewise drew lots among the people on the day of al-Qādisiyyah when they disputed over who should give the call to prayer (2), in observance of the Prophet’s words (may Allah bless him and grant him peace): “If people knew the merit of the call to prayer and the first row, and then found no means of attaining it except by drawing lots for it, they would certainly draw lots (3).” (4)

Thus, if precedence is given by Allah’s command whenever it is evident, or by His action (5)—namely, His causing one candidate to prevail through the drawing of lots