Choosing the Imaam (Hadith No. 601)

Salam,
Bismillah.

Volume 1, Book 11, Number 601:

Narrated Malik bin Huwairth:

I came to the Prophet with some men from my tribe and stayed with him for twenty nights. He was kind and merciful to us. When he realized our longing for our families, he said to us, “Go back and stay with your families and teach them the religion, and offer the prayer and one of you should pronounce the Adhan for the prayer when its time is due and the oldest one amongst you should lead the prayer.” 

•  One Mu’adhin is enough for one group of people.
• Choosing an Imaam is the group’s decision. It’s a responsibility as well. Choose the best one among you as leader. It can be for salah or any other activity.
• This particular group was advised by the Prophet (SAW) to choose the oldest among them as leader. This was because all of them had the same level of knowledge, because they were studying/learning from the Prophet (SAW) together. Generally, you have to choose the most knowledgeable and wise among you as the leader. It’s in best interest of the team/group.

Wassalam.

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