Authored by: Shaykh Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani (Hafizahullah)
"Someone from among you should lead the prayer because I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) say: 'When a person visits a people, he should not lead them in prayer; rather, someone from among them should lead.'”
– [Tirmidhi, Book of Salah, Hadith 356; Ibn Khuzaymah 1520; Bayhaqi 3/126; Nasai 786; Abu Dawood 596]
Though there is some weakness in the chain of narration due to the narrator Abu Atiyyah, Imam Tirmidhi has graded it as Hasan, and Imam Ibn Khuzaymah authenticated it.
"You have more right to lead the prayer in your mosque than I do."
– [Kitab Al-Umm 1/158; Bayhaqi 3/126]
This demonstrates that the designated imam has a greater right to lead the prayer unless he explicitly grants permission to someone else.
"It is not permissible for someone to lead the prayer in another person’s domain or sit in his place of honor without his permission."
– [Tirmidhi 235; Ahmad 5/272; Nasai 779; Abu Dawood 582]
This highlights that permission is essential for leading a congregation in another’s territory.
Allah knows best.
Question:
Can a traveler lead local residents in Salah? Please clarify.Answer:
If a traveler becomes a guest in a community, it is not permissible for him to lead them in prayer without their permission. However, if they grant him permission, he may lead the prayer. If the traveler completes two rak’ahs (due to Qasr, shortening of prayer), the local residents should stand up to complete their remaining two rak’ahs. This arrangement does not invalidate the Salah of the local residents.Evidence from Hadith and Practice of the Companions
1. Leadership with Permission
Abu Atiyyah narrated that Malik bin Huwairith (رضی اللہ عنہ) visited a prayer area where he was asked to lead the Salah. He declined and said:"Someone from among you should lead the prayer because I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) say: 'When a person visits a people, he should not lead them in prayer; rather, someone from among them should lead.'”
– [Tirmidhi, Book of Salah, Hadith 356; Ibn Khuzaymah 1520; Bayhaqi 3/126; Nasai 786; Abu Dawood 596]
Though there is some weakness in the chain of narration due to the narrator Abu Atiyyah, Imam Tirmidhi has graded it as Hasan, and Imam Ibn Khuzaymah authenticated it.
2. Established Right of the Appointed Imam
Nafi' reported that Abdullah bin Umar (رضی اللہ عنہما) had a piece of land near a mosque. When the call to prayer was given, he joined the local congregation. The local imam asked him to lead the Salah, but he responded:"You have more right to lead the prayer in your mosque than I do."
– [Kitab Al-Umm 1/158; Bayhaqi 3/126]
This demonstrates that the designated imam has a greater right to lead the prayer unless he explicitly grants permission to someone else.
3. Prohibition Without Permission
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:"It is not permissible for someone to lead the prayer in another person’s domain or sit in his place of honor without his permission."
– [Tirmidhi 235; Ahmad 5/272; Nasai 779; Abu Dawood 582]
This highlights that permission is essential for leading a congregation in another’s territory.
Ruling on a Traveler Leading Salah and Performing Qasr (Shortened Prayer)
- Qasr Salah for the Traveler:
When a traveler leads local residents, they must complete their prayer after the traveler finishes his two rak’ahs. For example, Abdullah bin Umar (رضی اللہ عنہما) narrated:
"Whenever Umar bin Khattab (رضی اللہ عنہ) visited Makkah, he led them in two rak’ahs of Salah and then said: 'O people of Makkah, complete your prayer because we are travelers.'”
– [Muwatta, Kitab Qasr Salah, Hadith 19; Bayhaqi 3/126] - The Practice of the Prophet (ﷺ):
Imran bin Husayn (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated that during the conquest of Makkah, the Prophet (ﷺ) stayed for 18 nights, performing only two rak’ahs of Salah and instructing the residents:
"O people of this city, complete your prayer; we are travelers."
– [Abu Dawood 1229; Bayhaqi 3/157]
Ruling Summary
- A Traveler Leading Prayer:
- A traveler can lead local residents in Salah with their permission.
- If the traveler shortens the prayer to two rak’ahs, the residents must stand up to complete their remaining rak’ahs after the Salam.
- Validity of the Prayer:
- There is no defect in the local residents’ prayer when following a traveler who performs Qasr Salah.
- Scholarly Consensus:
- The permissibility of a traveler leading locals is widely accepted, as documented in books of Islamic jurisprudence across all major schools of thought (Hanafi, Hanbali, Shafi'i, and Maliki).
Conclusion
A traveler can lead local residents in congregational Salah with their permission. If the traveler performs Qasr Salah, the residents should complete their prayer afterward. This arrangement is supported by the practice of the Prophet (ﷺ), his Companions, and Islamic jurisprudence. Debates and disputes over this issue are unnecessary, as the Shari'ah provides clear guidance and concessions in this matter.Allah knows best.