The ruling on a seated person leading others in prayer if he is the most proficient in reciting the Qur'an

Question : We are a group of friends, and sometimes we go out to the countryside or to one of the distant farms. When the time for prayer comes, we pray in congregation. Among us is a friend who is more knowledgeable about religious matters than the rest of us, and he has memorized the Noble Qur'an, but he is a man who is disabled. This person is [unclear] to us, and it is obligatory for us to do what is required of us.

Answer : The correct view is that his leading is valid. That is, a seated person who is unable to pray standing prays sitting as the imam, and the congregation prays behind him sitting. This is based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) , and to complete the following of him, as long as he is the most proficient in reciting the Book of Allah. Some scholars said that it is not valid for him to be the imam for those who are able to stand, unless he is the imam of the community, meaning the regular imam of the mosque whose excuse is expected to end. However, what we mentioned is the correct view: it is valid for one who is unable to stand to be the imam for those who are able to stand, and the followers are ordered to pray sitting, by the command of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to do so.