The Imam’s Absence from the Mosque Due to Unforeseen Excuses

Question:
The questioner says: Your Eminence the Shaykh! I bear witness to Allah that I love you for the sake of Allah, and we ask Allah for your health and well-being. I was appointed as the imam of a mosque, and I try as much as possible not to be absent from the mosque. However, on many occasions, events and duties arise that prevent me from attending the prayer at the mosque where I was appointed. Some of my colleagues have advised me to bring out money during the times I am absent to repair what is damaged in the mosque or to buy what it needs, such as tissues and the like. What is your opinion, Your Eminence? May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
Imam leading the prayer in the mosque is a responsibility. If you are unable to fulfill it on a permanent basis and you are frequently absent, do not commit to leading the prayer; leave it and appoint someone else, so that nothing remains a burden on your conscience while you are not performing it, and you know this. However, if you are dedicated to leading the prayer but an unforeseen circumstance occurs occasionally and you are absent, you are excused. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was absent from some prayers due to an excuse. If this is due to an occasional circumstance and you have appointed someone to lead the prayer, there is no harm on you. But if you know that you will not attend some of the prayers, or that you will not attend many of the prayers, do not commit to leading the prayer.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you.