The ruling on the imam traveling for 'Umrah after completing the recitation of the Qur'an

Q: What is your opinion regarding what some imams do, which is appointing a substitute to lead the prayer in their place at the end of Ramadan after completing the recitation of the Qur'an, for the sake of performing 'Umrah?

A: What appears to me is that there is leniency in this matter and no strictness, especially if a suitable substitute is available who is like the imam or better than the imam in his recitation and prayer. So the matter is very broad in this regard. The point is that if he chooses for them a righteous imam with a good voice and good recitation, there is no harm. However, if he hastens in his prayer, or hastens in completing the recitation in a way that is difficult for them, for the sake of 'Umrah, then that is not befitting for him. Rather, he should pray a prayer with tranquility, with humility, and recite in a way that is not difficult for them, even if he does not perform 'Umrah, and even if he does not complete the recitation either; because of the public benefit for his congregation and for those who pray behind him.