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Q: Our Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) is always late for Salah (Prayer) and arrives in the second Rak`ah (unit of Prayer). One of the Muslim brothers said that Salah cannot be established without the Imam's permission, even if you have to go to his house to get his permission. Is this correct? Please bear in mind that every day he comes late more than once. If I wait for a long time, some people start grumbling, and they either perform Salah alone or leave the Masjid (mosque). Is it a Sunnah for the Imam to come to the Masjid early or to arrive at the time of Iqamah (call to start the Prayer)? Please advise us and may Allah reward you.

A: You are not responsible for going to the Imam's house to bring him to the Salah. You can start to perform a Salah without his permission if he is absent or later than the usual time. When the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them) were in Al-Madinah, Al-Siddiq (Abu-Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him) led the Salah if the Prophet (peace be upon him) was late, and when the Prophet (peace be upon him) arrived he did not criticize him, in fact he affirmed it. It is obligatory on the Imam to perform the duties of his Imamah (leadership of the congregational Salah) as he is required to by Islamic law, being considerate of the Ma'mums (those being led by an Imam in Prayer) and fulfilling the duties of the job he was appointed to by the ruler. If he fulfills his duties, all praise be to Allah (for this), but if he does not, those responsible in the Ministry of Awqaf (Endowments) should take the necessary action.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.