Journal of Islamic Studies > Volume 29, No. 1, 2017

The Boy as a Prayer Leader / Haitham Fahd Al-Roumi

Abstract

This research studies the issue of the boy as an imam ( prayer leader). It discusses whether a boy that has not reached puberty can lead prayers, even though he is well aware of prayer activities. It also discusses  whether adults should accept to be led by him in prayer. The issue is important since prayer is the second pillar of Islam after the declaration of faith in Allah. The research examines in detail the ulama's varied views on the issue and the arguments for and against permissibility. It follows a comparative analytical methodology and a deductive methodology. The research makes the following conclusions: it not permissible for the boy to lead adults in congregational compulsory prayers, but it is permissible in voluntary prayers; even in voluntary prayers priority should be given to adult imams; the ulama's disagreement in that respect derive from (a) their differences on the issue of  compulsory prayers being led by someone performing voluntary prayers, and (b) their differences on the nature of the relationship between the prayers of the imam (leader) and the ma'muum (led).

Keywords: imamate, boy, validity, prayer.

(Received 23/08/2016; accepted for publication 26/09/2016.)