Is it permissible to perform Friday prayer behind anyone who meets the conditions of a regular congregation leader, or are there additional requirements such as their agreement with the authority of the jurist?
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1 Answer
Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.
Ayatollah Khamenei (may God protect him):
It is not a condition for the congregation leader (whether for Friday prayer or otherwise) to be someone who believes in the authority of the jurist in the way we believe. Anyone who meets the conditions mentioned in the practical jurisprudence can lead the prayer, and this does not depend on the permission of the jurist. However, the permissibility of leading Friday prayer does not depend on the aforementioned permission, but the application of the rulings regarding his appointment as the Friday prayer leader is contingent upon him being appointed by the authority of the Muslims. This ruling applies to any country or city where the authority of the Muslims is an obeyed ruler.
Source: Answers to Inquiries, Imitation, Jurist Authority and Legal Ruler, Q 59 + 61 + Friday Prayer, Q 613 + A Treatise on Prayer and Fasting, Prayer, Congregational Prayer, Conditions of the Congregation Leader + Friday Prayer, Conditions of the Congregation Leader
Ayatollah Sistani (may God protect him):
It is not a condition for the congregation leader (whether for Friday prayer or otherwise) to be someone who believes in the authority of the jurist in the way the follower believes, whether through imitation or independent reasoning. Anyone who meets the conditions mentioned in the practical jurisprudence can lead the prayer in and of itself. It is not required for the congregation leader to be appointed by the legal ruler.
Source: Minhaj al-Salihin, Vol. 1, Conditions of the Congregation Leader
May you be successful in all good.