Q: A number of travelers and residents gathered in a Masjid (mosque) which became full of Muslims. As the people gathered, asked for someone to lead them in `Asr (Sunset) Prayer whose time was due, a person stepped forward and started leading them. After pronouncing Takbirat-ul-Ihram (saying: "Allahu Akbar [Allah is the Greatest]" upon starting Prayer) and reciting Surah Al-Fatihah, the appointed regular Imam of the Masjid came in. He withdrew the other Imam and stood in his place. The rows went into a state of disarray. What is the ruling regarding this? May Allah reward you with the best.

A: No one is permitted to lead others in Salah in a Masjid which has a regular appointed Imam except with his permission. This Imam is the one most entitled to lead others in Salah. This is based on the Hadith in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, A man should not lead another man in prayer while in his (the latter’s) place of authority, or sit in his special honoring place, except with his permission. (Part No. 7; Page No. 413)  Narrated by Muslim. If he comes later than usual, another person may lead the people in his place in order to avoid disorder. However, if the regular Imam shows up after Salah has started, he may either join the rows of the praying people or step forward and lead them instead of the other Imam.Accordingly, there is nothing wrong with what the regular Imam did and the Salah is valid. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have once lagged behind on a journey as he went out to relieve himself. When he came back, `Abdul-Rahman ibn `Awf was leading people in Salah. Upon knowing of the Prophet's presence, `Abdul-Rahman wanted to withdraw himself to the rows of the praying people, but the Prophet (peace be upon him) beckoned him to stay in his place. The Prophet (peace be upon him) joined the row of other praying people who were led by `Abdul-Rahman. The Prophet is also reported to have come late from Al-Madinah where he went to make peace between Banu `Amr ibn `Awf. Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) led Muslims in Salah. When Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) sensed the presence of the Prophet (peace be upon him), he retreated until he reached the first row. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stepped forward and led the prayer. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.