Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … There is no doubt that, with Allah, the acceptance of the followers’ (muqtadis’) prayer is not dependent upon the acceptance of the imam’s prayer. Nevertheless, the prayers of the people have a deep connection with the imam: how much he observes the proper timing, to what extent he takes into consideration the conditions and states of the worshippers for the best possible prayer, and how commendable his way of life is, such that his followers feel delight in praying behind him. Similarly, the imam should also adhere to matters such as leading the prayer according to the Sunnah and including the followers in supplications (duas). In matters of prayer times and suhur and iftar, people place complete trust in the muezzin, so he too should be conscious of this responsibility, so that people’s acts of worship can be performed at their proper times. Leading the prayer (imamat) and giving the call to prayer (adhan) are dignified positions in the Islamic society; therefore, they should be given full honor and respect, and should not be disparaged without reason. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, keeping in view the responsibilities of both the imam and the muezzin and the possible shortcomings therein, made various supplications for them.