The ruling on the imam appointing another person to lead the prayer

Question:
Sometimes the imam of a mosque has a commitment and leaves the mosque, appointing another person in his place. Is there anything wrong with that?

Answer:
If this is an occasional matter and not a regular habit, there is nothing wrong with it. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) faced an unexpected situation and ordered Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer. So, if this situation is not a regular habit, there is nothing wrong with appointing someone. However, if he makes it a habit to be absent and appoint someone to lead the people in prayer permanently—such as the mu'adhdhin or the caretaker—when he has no valid excuse for this, then it is not permissible. This is because it is abandoning the trust he has taken on, which is the imamate. Therefore, the imams should fear Allah the Mighty and Majestic and not be absent from leading the prayer except for a valid religious excuse. And if an excuse arises, they should not leave the congregation without appointing someone qualified to lead the prayer. Yes.