Can a Follower Become an Imam? Majdi Ashour Explains
Al-Azhar clarifies the ruling on a follower (ma’mum) leading another follower, and the ruling for praying behind an imam who is not in a state of ritual purity at the start, with guidance from the scholars.
Some worshippers asked whether a ma’mum can become an imam if they join in the last rak‘ah, and if it is permissible for one follower to lead another after the imam’s salam.
Ruling on a Follower Becoming an Imam:
Definition of the Preceded (Masbuq): A person who was preceded by the imam in some rak‘ahs, even if they didn’t catch any full rak‘ah.
Majority Opinion: A masbuq cannot lead another masbuq in prayer together under the same imam; the Prophet ﷺ said: “The imam is made to be followed,” meaning a follower cannot simultaneously be an imam.
Shafi‘i and Hanbali Opinion: Some allow a masbuq to lead another masbuq if they are like a solo follower, citing examples from the Prophet’s ﷺ practice with Abu Bakr and ‘Umar.
Preferred Fatwa: Following the majority, a masbuq should not lead another masbuq.
Ruling for Praying Behind an Imam Who Is Junub (or Forgot Ritual Purity):
If the imam informs after the prayer that he was not ritually pure, he must repeat the prayer alone according to the majority (Malikis, Shafi‘is, Hanbalis).
Followers who repeated with the imam are also correct, in line with the Hanafi view.
Note: Differences in these rulings are a matter of legitimate scholarly ijtihad and do not cause division.
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