By: Imam Mashood Dagbo, PhD
The word “Imam” means “one who is followed” or “leader.” In Shari‘ah, it refers to one who leads prayer and to a scholar who upholds justice.
Allah honored the Prophet brahim (AS) as leader: “Indeed, I will make you an Imam for the people” [Qur’an 2:124]. The righteous pray: “and make us an Imam for the righteous” [Qur’an 25:74].
Imamate is an trust. The Imam stands before people and Allah, so his recitation and knowledge affect all who follow.
Principles of Selection
Scholars derived criteria from the Qur’an and Sunnah.
1. Knowledge of the Qur’an and Fiqh*
This is primary. The Prophet said: “Let the one most versed in the Book of Allah lead. If equal in recitation, then the most knowledgeable of the Sunnah…” [Sahih Muslim, 673]. Al-Nawawi said: “The most deserving is most proficient in recitation, then in fiqh, because prayer’s validity depends on both.” [al-Majmu‘, vol. 4, p. 253]
2. Piety and Character
Imams should be identified with piety and character. Allah says “We made from among them Imams guided by Our command when they were patient and certain of Our signs” [Qur’an 32:24]. Ibn Qudamah stated: “It is disliked to appoint a fasiq as Imam, for the Imam is a guarantor and role model.” [al-Mughni, vol. 1, p. 355]
3. Sound Recitation
The Imam must recite clearly and know what nullifies prayer. Al-Shafi‘i said: “If the Imam errs in al-Fatihah and changes meaning, and corrects it, the prayer of followers is valid.” [al-Umm, vol. 1, p. 198]
4. Age and Precedence
If equal in Qur’an and fiqh, the Sunnah prefers the elder or earliest migrant: “…then the oldest in migration, then in age” [Sahih Muslim, 673]. Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr noted virtue and precedence matter when knowledge is equal. [al-Istidhkar, vol. 2, p. 38]
5. Acceptance
The Prophet said: “A man who leads people and they are pleased with him.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 3590] Al-Ghazali added: “Imamate is complete only when hearts are content, for division is from Shaytan.” [Ihya’, vol. 1, p. 214]
It is consensus that the Imam for men must be male. Women may lead women, standing among them.
Roles of Imam
In daily prayers, the Imam leads takbir, recitation, ruku‘, and sujud, balancing Sunnah with ease. Allah commands: “Establish prayer and bow with those who bow” [Qur’an 2:43]. The Prophet said: “When one leads, let him be light, for among them are the weak, sick, and elderly.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, 703]
Ibn Hajar explained “light” means fulfilling obligations without burden. [Fath al-Bari, vol. 2, p. 159]
For Jumu‘ah, the Imam gives two khutbahs and leads two rak‘ahs. Allah says: “O you who believe, when the call is made for Jumu‘ah, proceed to the remembrance of Allah” [Qur’an 62:9].
The khutbah includes praise of Allah, salawat, and admonition from the Qur’an and Hadith. Al-Nawawi said it should be in Arabic, with counsel, delivered standing unless excused. [Sharh Sahih Muslim, vol. 6, p. 153]
It is Sunnah to recite al-Jumu‘ah and al-Munafiqun, or al-A‘la and al-Ghashiyah. Jabir reported the Prophet gave two khutbahs standing and sat between them. [Sahih Muslim, 862]
Ibn al-Qayyim said the Imam Jami’ educates, warns, and unifies the congregants [Zad al-Ma‘ad, vol. 1, p. 425]
Conclusion:
Scholars agree priority goes to the most proficient in Qur’an, knowledgeable in fiqh, pious, and acceptable to the people. The Imam is more than a reciter. He enables worship. On Jumu‘ah he teaches and unites.
Prayer:
O Allah, in this fourth Jumu‘ah of Safar 1448 AH, guide our Imams, strengthen us, forgive our sins, ease hardships, and grant leaders justice. Remove poverty and bad governance. Protect Muslims. Restore Nigeria and the world from corruption, insecurity, hunger, banditry, kidnapping, war, and evil. Amin.
@Imam Yusuf Mashood Dagbo, PhD
Chief Imam, GGDSS Central Mosque, Okesuna, Ilorin & Director ; YUMAD Consults.
