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⏱️ 5 min readv1.0.0 (published)

13 — Who Can Become the Replacement Imam (Khalifa)?

Fiqh eligibility criteria for stepping forward as Khalifa.

Reviewed by Dar-ul-Ifta Research Desk
Last Reviewed: 2026-09-01

Qualifications of Khalifa

1

Must be eligible to lead prayer (sane, adult Muslim male for male/mixed Jamaat).

2

Must have joined the Jamaat from the beginning (Mudrik) or be eligible under specific fiqh conditions.

3

Must not have engaged in any action that breaks prayer (e.g. talking, laughing, turning away from Qibla).

📚 Verified References & Sources

Authentic Hanafi Sources

Dar-ul-Ifta Ahl-e-Sunnat Official Fatwa Archive

Dar-ul-Ifta Ahl-e-Sunnat (Dawat-e-Islami)

View Source ↗

Official verified rulings on Istikhlaf conditions, replacement Imam eligibility, and missed travel Salah.

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