Is it true that one of the conditions for the validity of congregational prayer is that the imam intends to lead from the beginning of the prayer?

The questioner : ... the rule ... .

The Shaykh : Yes.

The questioner : ... the rule ... .

The Shaykh : He says that one must intend to lead and to follow from the beginning of the prayer, otherwise there is no doubt that the congregation is better, but he says to intend it from the beginning of the prayer, and our discussion is about if one intends it during the prayer.

The questioner : ... the prayer, O Shaykh ... .

The Shaykh : In any case, this is his statement, and the correct view is that it is permissible. Yes.