The Imamate of One Who smokes

Question :

Does a smoker have the right to lead the worshippers in prayer if he is better than them in recitation?

Answer:

Yes, it is permissible, if there is no one from among other than the corrupt ones who recites well and knows the rulings of prayer. However, if the Imam in question is the regular Imam in one of the mosques, then they should strive to find another to replace him, if he is determined to continue smoking. A ruling has already been issued by the Council in this matter, whose text is as follows:

"Whoever is an Imam for Friday prayers and congregational prayers, and he is a smoker or shaves his beard or commits any sin of disobedience, he must be advised and censured. If he does not accept the advice, he must be removed, if that is possible and it will not cause division. In that case, it is lawful to pray behind another from among the righteous people, in order to censure and rebuke him, if this does not cause division. If it is not possible to pray behind another, then it is lawful to pray behind him in order to benefit the congregation. If it is feared that praying behind another will cause division, they should pray behind him in order to prevent division and in order to confine themselves to the lesser of two evils, just as Ibn 'Umar and others prayed behind Al-Hajjaj bin Yusuf, who was one of the most unjust people, in order to maintain unity and avoid division and differing."

And through Allah is attained success. And may peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, Muhammad and upon his family and Companions.

Source:
The Permanent Committee
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 2 Pages 412-413