If the regular imam is delayed and his deputy prays, and the regular imam arrives during the prayer, should the deputy step back and the regular imam step forward to lead the people?
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The questioner : ...
The Shaykh : That is, if the deputy of the regular imam is in the middle of the prayer and the regular imam enters, there is no harm in him stepping forward and completing the prayer with him. However, it is better not to do so, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered Abu Bakr to remain in his place so as not to disturb the congregation, especially if the deputy has missed part of the prayer. It is better not to do so, and if he does, there is no harm.
The questioner : ...
The Shaykh : That is, if the intended meaning is not understood, yes, we must point it out to him in a way that he understands the intended meaning.
The questioner : ...
The Shaykh : There is scholarly disagreement on this. Some scholars say that if it is for the benefit of the prayer, there is no harm in addressing him with what benefits the prayer. The correct view is that it is not permissible. But as I said, he should recite a verse that indicates the meaning, such as if it is prostration, or [Al-Baqarah 2:43] if it is bowing.
The questioner : ...
The Shaykh : This is incorrect. First, the well-known view among the jurists (may Allah have mercy on them) is that if one does not intend the midday prayer when entering, it does not suffice for the midday prayer, even if he intended it. Accordingly, if he knows that this is the last rak'ah and that he missed it, he should intend it as the midday prayer and enter with the intention of the midday prayer. This is the view that if he intends it after the imam has concluded the prayer, that it does not suffice for the midday prayer. The second view is that it does suffice, because this is a substitute for it and is not independent. The discussion regarding moving from a specific prayer to a specific prayer applies to independent prayers. As for this, it is a substitute because it automatically converts into the midday prayer. Yes.
The Shaykh : That is, if the deputy of the regular imam is in the middle of the prayer and the regular imam enters, there is no harm in him stepping forward and completing the prayer with him. However, it is better not to do so, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered Abu Bakr to remain in his place so as not to disturb the congregation, especially if the deputy has missed part of the prayer. It is better not to do so, and if he does, there is no harm.
The questioner : ...
The Shaykh : That is, if the intended meaning is not understood, yes, we must point it out to him in a way that he understands the intended meaning.
The questioner : ...
The Shaykh : There is scholarly disagreement on this. Some scholars say that if it is for the benefit of the prayer, there is no harm in addressing him with what benefits the prayer. The correct view is that it is not permissible. But as I said, he should recite a verse that indicates the meaning, such as
And prostrate and draw near
واسجد واقتربand bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].
واركعوا مع الراكعينThe questioner : ...
The Shaykh : This is incorrect. First, the well-known view among the jurists (may Allah have mercy on them) is that if one does not intend the midday prayer when entering, it does not suffice for the midday prayer, even if he intended it. Accordingly, if he knows that this is the last rak'ah and that he missed it, he should intend it as the midday prayer and enter with the intention of the midday prayer. This is the view that if he intends it after the imam has concluded the prayer, that it does not suffice for the midday prayer. The second view is that it does suffice, because this is a substitute for it and is not independent. The discussion regarding moving from a specific prayer to a specific prayer applies to independent prayers. As for this, it is a substitute because it automatically converts into the midday prayer. Yes.