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Chapter 5.2. The Elderly Are To Lead Prayers
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) taught the youth the manners of companionship and the custom of giving precedence to elders. Al-Bukhari and Muslim reported that the honoured companion Malik bin Al-Hwaireth (RA) said: 'I was with a youth group that visited the Messenger of Allah in Madina for twenty nights. The Messenger of
Allah was very kind and compassionate. He sensed that we might have missed our families back home and he asked us about whom we had left behind. When we informed him, he said: 'Go back to your families, live with them, teach them Islam and tell them of the good deeds. At the times of prayer, let one of you call the Azan, and have your eldest lead the prayer.' '
The Prophet (PBUH) specified in this particular case that the eldest should lead the prayers since they were equal in their knowledge and learning. Being older in such a case merits leading the prayers. If a person is more knowledgeable, then he should lead the prayer since knowledge is an honor higher than age as could be seen in the Hadiths on this subject.
If the prayers were offered at a house, the host is entitled to lead it. Out of respect, he may request a person who is more knowledgeable, older or more prominent. If the guest declines, the host should not hesitate to lead the prayers. Imam Ahmad reported in his Musnad that Abdullah ibn Masud visited Abu Musa Al-Ashari. When it was time to pray, Abu Musa asked Ibn Masud, 'Please lead the prayers since you are older and have more knowledge.' Ibn Masud said, ' No, you lead the prayer. This is your house and praying area. You should lead the prayer.' Abu Musa did lead the prayer then.
Chapters
Chapter 1
Importance Of Appearance
Chapter 1.1
Distinct Muslim Personality
Chapter 1.2
Cleanliness And Washing
Chapter 1.3
Arriving From A Journey
Chapter 1.4
Dress Properly With Family And Friends
Chapter 2
Entering Or Leaving A House
Chapter 2.1
How-to-enter
Chapter 2.2
Entering While Others Are Asleep
Chapter 2.3
Greeting
Chapter 2.4
Announcing Your Presence
Chapter 2.5
Seeking Permission To Enter
Chapter 2.6
Knocking And Ringing
Chapter 2.7
Answering 'Who Is It?'
Chapter 3
The Manners Of Visiting
Chapter 3.1
Keeping Appointments, Delays And Cancellation
Chapter 3.2
Declining A Visit
Chapter 3.3
Control Your Eyes
Chapter 3.4
Removing Your Shoes
Chapter 3.5
Choosing A Seat
Chapter 3.6
A Visitor Is Not An Inspector
Chapter 3.7
Timing Your Visit
Chapter 3.8
Greeting
Chapter 3.9
Sitting Between Two Persons
Chapter 3.10
The Host's Duties And The Guests' Rights
Chapter 3.11
Stay In Touch
Chapter 3.12
A Brief Advice To My Sisters
Chapter 4
The Manners Of Conversation
Chapter 4.1
Selecting Suitable Topics
Chapter 4.2
Talk In A Suitable Tone
Chapter 4.3
The Art Of Listening
Chapter 4.4
Discussions And Debates
Chapter 4.5
Swearing By Allah
Chapter 4.6
Answering A Question
Chapter 5
Social Manners
Chapter 5.1
Respect And Favour The Elderly
Chapter 5.2
The Elderly Are To Lead Prayers
Chapter 5.3
Walking With The Elderly
Chapter 5.4
The Elderly Are To Be Served First
Chapter 5.5
Manners With Parents
Chapter 5.6
Tell Your Family Your Whereabouts
Chapter 5.7
Respect The Poor
Chapter 5.8
Dealing With Non-muslims
Chapter 6
Manners Of Eating
Chapter 6.1
The Importance Of Eating Manners
Chapter 6.2
Manners Of Eating
Chapter 6.3
Manners Of Drinking
Chapter 6.4
Avoid Gluttony
Chapter 6.5
Gold And Silver Cutlery
Chapter 7
Weddings
Chapter 7.1
Weddings Are Part Of The Prophet's Tradition
Chapter 7.2
The Manners Of Attending Weddings
Chapter 8
Visiting The Sick
Chapter 8.1
Visiting A Patient
Chapter 8.2
Praying For The Sick
Chapter 8.3
The Length Of The Visit
Chapter 8.4
The Manners Of Visiting A Patient
Chapter 8.5
How The Ill Express Their Complaints
Chapter 9
Condolence
Chapter 9.1
Breaking Unpleasant News
Chapter 9.2
Expressing Condolences Is A Courtesy And A Duty
Chapter 9.3
Expressing Condolences And Sympathy
Chapter 9.4
Sending Flowers And Reading Quran During Funerals
Chapter 9.5
A Final Word