The Ruling on leading the prayer without an 'Imamah

Question :

Some people in our area do not consider prayer permissible behind an Imam who does not wear an Imamah; in fact, they think that leading the prayer without an 'Imamah goes against the Sunnah and some of them place an Imamah ready for this purpose in the Mihrab of the mosque, which the Imam then places on his head when needed. What is the legal ruling in this matter? Also, is there any difference in the Islamic law between prayer in an 'Imamah and prayer in a Qalansuwahl when one is acting as Imam? And what is the ruling on the different types of headgear worn when one is acting as Imam?

Answer:

Muslim, Abu Dawud, An-Nasa'i, At-Tirmithi and Ibn Majah have narrated, on the authority of Ja'far bin 'Amr bin Huraith that he said: "I saw the Messenger of Allah on he pulpit, wearing a black 'Imamah and he let its two ends hang between his shoulders."

At-Tirmithi narrated, on the authority of Nafi', from Ibn 'Umar that he said: "When the Messenger of Allah wore an 'Imamah, he would let it hang down between his shoulders." Nafi' said: "And Ibn 'Umar used to let his 'Imamah hang down between his shoulders." Because of this, many scholars regard the wearing of an 'Imamah, with its ends hanging down to front or rear, to be highly recommended. Ibn Al-Qayyim mentions that the Prophet sometimes used to wear an 'Imamah over a Qalansuwah and sometimes without it, and sometimes, he would wear a Qalansuwah without an Imamah. And there is room for accommodation in this matter, since it has not been reported authentically that the Prophet ordered the wearing of it, nor did he always do so; and it is not a condition for the correctness of prayer, nor for the correctness of Imamate, according to the consensus of the scholars. And making it compulsory would be burdensome and cause difficulty in the religion; and whoever is too strict will find that his religion overcomes him. And through Allah is attained success. And may peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, Muhammad and upon his family and Companions.

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