Chapter on Leading the Prayer

He—may Allah have mercy on him—was asked whether it is better to lead the prayer or refrain from doing so.

He replied:

Rather, he should lead them in prayer, and he will be rewarded for doing so, as stated in the hadith:

“Three will be upon mounds of musk on the Day of Resurrection: a man who leads people in prayer while they are pleased with him.”

The hadith continues. And Allah knows best.

He—may Allah have mercy on him—was also asked about two men: one has memorized the Quran and is a preacher who attends gatherings where the frame drum and flute are played; the other is a scholar who is scrupulous in religious observance. Which of them has the greater right to lead the prayer?

He replied:

It is established in Sahīh Muslim, on the authority of Abū Masʿūd al-Badrī, that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“The people should be led in prayer by the one most proficient in reciting the Book of Allah. If they are