Question:
Is the prayer behind an Imam wearing trousers valid?
Answer:
Yes, it is valid but it is not befitting for him to be given precedence despite the validity of the prayer. In his case, it is disliked. As for you, if you are unable to find anyone except him; it is not a problem to pray behind him. As for making him the (permanent) Imam, it is not appropriate in his current state.
The Prophet ﷺ indicated in several narrations that the best are given precedence.
(He said ﷺ)
يَؤُمُّ الْقَوْمَ أَقْرَؤُهُمْ لِكِتَابِ اللَّهِ
The best versed in the recitation of the book of Allah should lead the people in prayer
[Narrated by Ibn Masoud in Muslim. Hadith Number 673]
The meaning of the ‘best versed’ does not solely mean in recitation. It means recitation and steadfastness. It is not appropriate to give precedence to the ‘best versed’ if he is not steadfast.
In this case, it is looked to whomever is beneath him in recitation and to his steadfastness and actions.
The scholars have differed over whether the ‘best versed’ or the most virtuous is given precedence. Some of the scholars say the most knowledgeable is given precedence ahead of the ‘best versed’.
The correct view is the ‘best versed’ is given precedence .
Answered by: Shaykh Abu Bilaal Al-Hadhramy – may Allah preserve him
Source: https://t.me/abubilalhami/2798
Answered on: 29 Safr 1441 (28th October 2019)
Translated by: Abu Sufian Saami ibn Daniel Al-Ghaani