Shaykh al-Islām—may Allah sanctify his soul—said:

Section

As for congregational prayer, follow what the Book, the Sunnah and the statements of the Companions indicate: it is obligatory in the absence of a valid excuse, and its obligation is waived when there is such an excuse.

Likewise, give precedence to imams according to the criteria established by the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, who said:

“The one most proficient in reciting the Book of Allah should lead the people in prayer. If they are equal in recitation, then the one most knowledgeable about the Sunnah; if they are equal in knowledge of the Sunnah, then the one who emigrated earliest.”

Thus, a distinction is made between knowledge of the Book and knowledge of the Sunnah, as the hadith indicates. Giving some imams precedence over others on these grounds applies only when they are equal in knowing how to perform the prayer as prescribed, in performing it according to the Sunnah, and in possessing the religious integrity needed to ensure that the follower’s prayer behind them is not deficient.

If two imams are equal in the completeness of their own prayers and of the prayers offered behind them, precedence is given to the one most proficient in recitation, then to the one most knowledgeable about the Sunnah. Otherwise, excellence in the prayer itself takes precedence over a quality possessed by its imam, and the knowledge and religious integrity required for the prayer take precedence over such qualities as are merely recommended.