If a person who has memorized more of the Qur'an than the regular imam is present, should he be given priority over him?
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The questioner : ... .
The Shaykh : The regular imam, may Allah reward you, has more right to lead than anyone else, unless he neglects something obligatory. For example, if we suppose that a person who has memorized the Qur'an enters the mosque, and the regular imam does not have the Qur'an memorized, whom do we give priority? We give priority to the regular imam, unless he neglects an obligation. For this reason, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:Sahih Muslim 673a And the imam of the mosque has authority over it.
The Shaykh : The regular imam, may Allah reward you, has more right to lead than anyone else, unless he neglects something obligatory. For example, if we suppose that a person who has memorized the Qur'an enters the mosque, and the regular imam does not have the Qur'an memorized, whom do we give priority? We give priority to the regular imam, unless he neglects an obligation. For this reason, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: