Question
If a person of higher rank is present, is it permissible to appoint a person of lower rank who shaves his beard and plays cards as an Imam?
Answer
No, it is not permissible to appoint such a person as an Imam. In Islam, it is necessary for the Imam of the prayer to be someone who has more knowledge of the Quran, is pious, and God-fearing. If a person of higher rank and more knowledge is present, it is not correct to appoint a person of lower rank and sinful as an Imam.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “یَوُْمُّ الْقَوْمَ اَقْرَأُھُمْ بِالْکِتَابِ اللّٰہِ”
(The leadership of the people should be given to the one who has more knowledge of the Quran) and “اِجْعَلُوْا اَئِمَتَکُمْ خِیَارَکُمْ” (Appoint righteous people as your leaders).
