The ruling on the prayer of an imam who is unable to stand

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, if a person is so weak that he cannot stand to pray, is it permissible for him to pray while standing, or should someone else stand in his place to lead the prayer?

Answer:
Both options are permissible, and praise be to Allah. If he appoints someone to lead the prayer on his behalf, that is permissible, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) appointed Abu Bakr to lead the prayer on his behalf. And if he leads the prayer himself, that is also permissible, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: So both options are permissible, and praise be to Allah. This applies specifically to the regular imam, the imam of the community. As for a person who is not a regular imam, he is not to be appointed as an imam if he is unable to stand. Distinguish between occasional imamate and regular imamate. This ruling applies only to the regular imam. In the case of occasional imamate, one who is unable to perform one of the pillars of the prayer does not lead the people. As for regular imamate, this is the context of the hadith, and Allah knows best. Yes.