The ruling on hiring a substitute for the mosque imam to lead the prayer in his place

Question:
Is it permissible for the imam to hire another person to lead the prayer on his behalf?

Answer:
There is no harm in that, according to the more correct of the scholars' opinions, provided the person hired is qualified for it, and the responsible authority—such as the Waqf, for example—or the owner of the mosque who appointed him as imam agrees to it. However, it is better if he avoids the term "hiring" and instead says to him, "You will lead in my place, and I—may Allah will it—will help you." This is better than using the term "hiring," because many scholars dislike this wording and this usage, due to the hadith: Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked about a man who says, "I will lead you in prayer in Ramadan for so much and so much," and he said, "I seek refuge in Allah! And who would pray behind this man?" or as he (may Allah have mercy on him) said.
So, the conclusion is: such phrases contain some deficiency. It is better for him to say to him, "You will lead in my place, and I—may Allah will it—will not fall short in helping you," or "I—may Allah will it—will give you what helps you with your need," or something similar, rather than entering into a hire contract with him. Yes.

The presenter: May Allah bless you.