1. Priorities - the most versed in Quran, then if two or more are equal, the knowledgeable about sunnah (the traditions of the Prophet), then if two or more are equal, the oldest.

2. A man at his home, a leader of a group of people or the head of a meeting is to be the imam and lead the prayer, unless he declines.

3. Imamate (leadership of the prayer) of the following persons is acceptable:

A. A discerning boy

B. A blind person

C. A standing person for those who are sitting

D. A sitting person for those who are standing

E. A person praying obligatory prayer for those praying voluntary prayers

F. A person praying voluntary prayer for those praying obligatory prayer

G. A person that has performed ablution for those who have performed tyammum and vice versa.

H. A traveler for a resident and a resident for a traveler. When a traveler prays behind a resident imam, he cannot shorten his prayer as he has to follow the imam and complete four rak`as. When the traveler leads the prayer, he prays two rak`as, and concludes his prayer. The congregation are to pray two more rak`as.

I. A more qualified person can join a prayer lead by a less qualified person.

4. Imamate of the following is unacceptable:

A. Persons with health problems who cannot remain in a state of purity.

B. A woman cannot lead men (however, a woman can lead a group of women).

C. It is disliked to pray behind the iniquitous.