What the Imam Does If He Is Afflicted with a Nosebleed

Question:
If the imam is afflicted with a nosebleed and the mosque door is behind the worshippers, should he break through the rows to exit the prayer hall, or should he wait until they complete their prayer?

Answer:
If he is afflicted with a nosebleed, or if his ablution is broken, then, according to the stronger position, he should appoint a substitute. He should delegate someone to complete the prayer with the people, and he should exit if he is able to do so; even if he has to part the rows, he is excused. If he is unable to exit, he should sit until it becomes easy for him to leave, and he should take care not to let blood drip into the mosque. There is no blame on him, so let him sit if it is not easy for him to exit. If he exits by parting the rows, there is no blame on him, and praise be to Allah. However, the correct course is that he should appoint a substitute so as not to cause them to miss the prayer. He should delegate someone to pray with them, just as 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) did.When he was stabbed, he appointed 'Abd al-Rahman ibn 'Awf to pray with them, and he completed the prayer with the people. This is the correct course: that he should appoint a substitute, even if the state of ritual impurity overtook him. Yes.

The presenter: May Allah reward you with good.