Is it permissible for one who is unable to stand or sit to lead the prayer?
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The questioner : May Allah forgive you, O honorable Shaykh. There is a man who has memorized the Qur'an, but he is lame and uses a device. He moves a lot while on the device when standing and sitting. Is it permissible for him to lead the prayer when there is a need?
The Shaykh : Yes, it is permissible for the imam to be unable to stand, bow, or prostrate, because his prayer is valid. It is established that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) led his Companions in prayer while sitting. They stood up, so he gestured to them to sit down. When he finished the prayer, he informed them that the followers follow the imam, and he said:Sahih Muslim 411a. Therefore, the correct view is that whenever a person's prayer is valid, his leading of the prayer is valid. Do you understand?
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Yes, it is permissible for the imam to be unable to stand, bow, or prostrate, because his prayer is valid. It is established that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) led his Companions in prayer while sitting. They stood up, so he gestured to them to sit down. When he finished the prayer, he informed them that the followers follow the imam, and he said:
and when he prays sitting, all of you should pray sitting
وإذا صلى قاعداً فصلوا قعوداًThe questioner : Yes.