If the imam remembers while leading people in prayer that he is not in a state of ritual purity, what should he do?

The questioner : The man who leads people in prayer and remembers that he is not in a state of ablution, or that his ablution is invalidated during the prayer

The Shaykh : or?

The questioner : or he remembers, either that he remembers his ablution is invalid, or that his ablution is invalidated during the prayer, either by passing wind or something of these matters, so what is the ruling for him now? What should he do?

The Shaykh : and he is in the prayer?

The questioner : Yes, Shaykh.

The Shaykh : He must appoint a substitute; he must appoint one of those behind him to complete the prayer with them, and he goes to perform ablution. If he catches up with the prayer, he follows this imam; otherwise, he prays alone.

The questioner : Is it permissible for him to go, perform ablution, and then continue leading them in the prayer?

The Shaykh : It is permissible, of course, if the place for ablution is close to him and if his companions understand him when he tells them to stay in their place.

The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.

The Shaykh: Yes.