2/66. Chapter:
Sunan Abi Dawud 582 — Who Should Lead Prayer
Who Has More Right To Be Imam
Who Should Lead Prayer in Islam? A Hadith on Imam Selection
Sunan Abi Dawud : 582
Sunan Abi DawudHadith Number 582
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الْوَلِيدِ الطَّيَالِسِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، أَخْبَرَنِي إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ رَجَاءٍ، سَمِعْتُ أَوْسَ بْنَ ضَمْعَجٍ، يُحَدِّثُ عَنْ أَبِي مَسْعُودٍ الْبَدْرِيِّ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " يَؤُمُّ الْقَوْمَ أَقْرَؤُهُمْ لِكِتَابِ اللَّهِ وَأَقْدَمُهُمْ قِرَاءَةً فَإِنْ كَانُوا فِي الْقِرَاءَةِ سَوَاءً فَلْيَؤُمَّهُمْ أَقْدَمُهُمْ هِجْرَةً فَإِنْ كَانُوا فِي الْهِجْرَةِ سَوَاءً فَلْيَؤُمَّهُمْ أَكْبَرُهُمْ سِنًّا وَلاَ يُؤَمُّ الرَّجُلُ فِي بَيْتِهِ وَلاَ فِي سُلْطَانِهِ وَلاَ يُجْلَسُ عَلَى تَكْرِمَتِهِ إِلاَّ بِإِذْنِهِ " . قَالَ شُعْبَةُ فَقُلْتُ لإِسْمَاعِيلَ مَا تَكْرِمَتُهُ قَالَ فِرَاشُهُ .
Abu Mas'ud Al-Badri Narrated from:
Abu Mas’ud al-Badri reported the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying: The one of you who is most versed in the Books of Allah should act as imam for the people; and the one who is the earliest of them in reciting (the Qur’an); if they are equally versed in reciting it, then the earliest of them to emigrate (to Medina); if they emigrated at the same time, then the oldest of them. No man must lead another in prayer in his house (i.e. in the house of a latter) or where the latter has authority, or sit in his place of honor without his permission. Shu’bah said: I asked Isma’il: what is the meaning of his place of honor? He replied: his throne.
[1] Bedding or couch.Reference : Sunan Abi Dawud 582In-book reference : Book 2, Hadith 192English translation : Book 2, Hadith 582
Summary of Sunan Abi Dawud Hadith 582
This Hadith gives a clear order for choosing an imam in congregational prayer. The one most versed in the Book of Allah should lead the people. If people are equal in recitation, then the one earliest in recitation is given preference. If they are equal in that, then the one who migrated earlier. If they are equal in migration, then the oldest among them. The Hadith also teaches respect for personal space and authority. A man should not lead another in his own house or place of authority without permission, and he should not sit in another person’s place of honor without permission. This Hadith about who should lead salah combines knowledge, respect, and good manners.
What we learn from this hadith
- The imam should be chosen first by knowledge and recitation of the Qur'an.
- Age can be considered when people are equal in other qualities.
- A guest should respect the host’s authority in his own place.
- Sitting in someone’s place of honor needs permission.
