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Fatwa CenterIllegitimate child leading the prayer
Question
Dear scholars, I am a revert to Islaam and I married a Muslim man, I was told that Islaam does not allow an illegitimate child to lead the prayer for fellow worshippers, i.e.: he cannot be Imaam. Could you please comment on that issue and if possible provide me with Daleel.
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.
An illegitimate child (a child born from adultery or fornication) can be an Imaam. However, this is disliked by Imaams Abu Hanifa, Maalik, and Al-Shaafi'ee, 
. On the other hand, Imaam Ahmed 
is of the view that it is permissible for a child of illegitimate birth to lead the congregational prayer and that this is not dislikeable if he is of sound religion. This is the preponderant opinion, Insha Allaah.
Ibn Al-Munthir said: 'He can be an Imaam if he is acceptable, and the sin of others does not harm him.'
Allaah knows best.
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