It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Sahlah al-Sa'ib bin Khallad (may Allah be pleased with him) that a man led some people in prayer and spat in the direction of the qiblah while the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was watching. When he finished the prayer, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "This man is not to lead you in prayer." After this incident, when he wanted to lead them in prayer again, the people stopped him and informed him of what the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) had said. Then this was mentioned to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), and he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "They did very well," and I think he (peace and blessings be upon him) also said: "You have offended Allah," or words to that effect.
This hadith is narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) only with this chain, and Amr bin al-Harith (may Allah have mercy on him) is alone in narrating it.
Hadith Referenceالمعجم الأوسط / باب الميم / 6221
Hadith Gradingمحدثین:صحيح
Hadith Takhrij«قال ابن القطان الفاسي: قال مغلطاي لما ذكر أبو الحسان بن القطان حديثه صححه «إكمال تهذيب الكمال، ج 6، ص 326»» «قال الطبراني: لم يرو هذا الحديث عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم إلا بهذا الإسناد تفرد به عمرو بن الحارث «الإعلام بسنته عليه الصلاة والسلام بشرح سنن ابن ماجه الإمام، ج 5، ص 517»» «أخرجه ابن حبان فى «صحيحه» برقم: 1636، وأبو داود فى «سننه» برقم: 481، وأحمد فى «مسنده» برقم: 16828»