The Ruling on the Imam and the Mu'adhdhin Absenting Themselves from Their Duties

Question:
This questioner says: Your Excellency the Shaykh, what is the ruling on the imam and the mu'adhdhin absencing themselves from the duties of leading the prayer and calling to prayer in the specific mosque where they are appointed? And what is the permissible limit for this?

Answer:
This is not permissible. It is not permissible for the mu'adhdhin to be absent from the adhan. If an obstacle arises for him, he should appoint someone to call to prayer. Likewise, the imam should not be absent from leading the prayer except if an obstacle arises for him, in which case he should appoint someone to lead the prayer. As for being absent without appointing a substitute, this is not permissible. This should be reported to the authority responsible for mosques so that they can summon him, advise him, or replace him with someone else. It is not permissible to neglect the mosques and leave these people to play with them. Yes.