The Imamate of the Incapable
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
Fatwa No. ( 19454 )
Q: Next to my house is a mosque whose imam prays on a chair and a mat because he is unable to bow and prostrate on the ground due to pain in his knees. I know that among those who pray behind him, there are some who memorize parts of the Qur'an. Is it permissible for me to pray behind him?
A : If this imam is permanently unable to stand and prostrate on the ground, then the prayer behind him is invalid for those who are able, and it is not permissible for him to continue as imam because of his inability to perform the pillars of the prayer. He must be replaced by an imam who is able to perform all the pillars of the prayer. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: Next to my house is a mosque whose imam prays on a chair and a mat because he is unable to bow and prostrate on the ground due to pain in his knees. I know that among those who pray behind him, there are some who memorize parts of the Qur'an. Is it permissible for me to pray behind him?
A : If this imam is permanently unable to stand and prostrate on the ground, then the prayer behind him is invalid for those who are able, and it is not permissible for him to continue as imam because of his inability to perform the pillars of the prayer. He must be replaced by an imam who is able to perform all the pillars of the prayer. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.