Q 5:
The Imam remembered that he was not in a state of Taharah (ritual purification) after performing one Rak`ah (unit of prayer) and let someone else complete the Salah (prayer). Should the new Imam complete the Salah or begin a new one?
A:
If the reality is as has been mentioned, then the successor of the Imam should complete the Salah and should not start from the beginning. This is supported by the story of
`Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) when he was stabbed while leading people in Salah. He chose
`Abdul-Rahman ibn `Awf to succeed him. He completed the Salah and did not perform it again from the beginning. This case is similar to that. (Part No. 7; Page No. 394) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.