Hadith on Who Should Lead the Prayer
Narrated by Malik bin Al-Huwayrith (رضي الله عنه):The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"When the time for prayer comes, let one of you call the Adhan, and the one most knowledgeable among you should lead the prayer."
(Agreed upon – Reported by Bukhari & Muslim)
References:- Bukhari: 819, 685, 658, 631, 630, 628
- Muslim: 673
- Tirmidhi: Mentioned in "Chapter on Adhan in Travel"
- Musnad Ahmad: Vol. 3, p. 243 & Vol. 5, p. 652
Key Lessons from the Hadith
➊ Calling the Adhan When the Prayer Time Begins
- Adhan should be called when the time for prayer enters.
- Any Muslim who knows the Adhan properly can call it.
- A Mu’adhin should have a clear, melodious voice and pronounce the words correctly.
- Adhan is a Fard Kifayah (a communal obligation).
➋ A Designated Mu’adhin Is Not Necessary
- If a regular Mu’adhin is unavailable, anyone can give the Adhan.
- It is not mandatory to appoint a permanent Mu’adhin, but calling Adhan is obligatory.
➌ The Most Knowledgeable Person Should Lead the Prayer
- The right to lead the prayer belongs to the one with the most Islamic knowledge.
- "Most knowledgeable" refers to:
- Understanding of the Quran and Hadith.
- Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence).
- Proper recitation of the Quran (Tajweed).
- If two people are equal in knowledge, then the older one should lead.
➍ Appointing an Imam Is Not Obligatory, But Congregational Prayer Is
- There is no obligation to appoint a permanent Imam.
- However, praying in congregation and having someone lead the prayer is mandatory.
- Leading the prayer (Imamat) holds great virtue, just like calling the Adhan.
Conclusion: Who Has the Right to Lead the Prayer?
The Imam should be the most knowledgeable person in terms of Islamic teachings and the Quran.If two individuals have the same level of knowledge, then the older person should lead.
Calling the Adhan and leading the prayer are highly honorable acts in Islam.
[This content is derived from the book Diya-ul-Islam Fi Sharh al-Ilmam Bi Ahadith al-Ahkam by Sheikh Taqi al-Din Abi al-Fath, translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar.]