Hadith Reference:
Muṭarraf bin ʿAbdullāh narrated from ʿUthmān bin Abī al-ʿĀṣ (رضي الله عنهما), who said:"I said, O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)!"
In another narration, ʿUthmān bin Abī al-ʿĀṣ said:
"O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), appoint me as the Imam of my people."
The Prophet (ﷺ) replied:
"You are their Imam, so lead the prayer while considering the weakest among them, and appoint a Muezzin who does not take a wage for the call to prayer."
[Sunan Abū Dāwūd]
Authenticity and References:
This ḥadīth is authentic (ṣaḥīḥ).It is recorded in:
- Musnad Imām Aḥmad bin Ḥanbal (4/217, 21)
- Sunan Abū Dāwūd (531)
- Sunan al-Nasāʾī (2/23)
- Al-Bayhaqī (1/429)
- Al-Mustadrak of Ḥākim (1/199, 201)
Key Lessons Derived from the Ḥadīth:
➊ Desiring the position of Imamate is not prohibited as long as the intention is to reform and guide people, or if the individual genuinely considers himself more deserving than others. However, seeking leadership positions for personal gain is discouraged in Islam.➋ The Imam must consider the weakest members of the congregation while leading the prayer, ensuring that the pace and length of the prayer are suitable for all.
➌ It is permissible to appoint separate Imams for different tribes, localities, or mosques, based on convenience and necessity.
➍ A Muezzin should ideally be appointed who does not seek financial compensation for calling the Adhān. This encourages sincerity and devotion in the service of the mosque.
➎ This hadith also establishes that an Imam has the authority to select and appoint the Muezzin. Similarly, any person in charge of the mosque’s affairs—whether an administrator or a leader—can delegate the responsibility of appointing a Muezzin to the Imam.
[This content has been taken from the book Ḍiyāʾ al-Islām fī Sharḥ al-Imām bi-Aḥādīth al-Aḥkām by Shaykh Taqī al-Dīn Abī al-Fatḥ, translated by Mawlānā Maḥmūd Aḥmad Ghaḍanfar.]
