Prayer: Can Someone Lead Jamā‘ah Without the Appointed Imam’s Permission?

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Prayer: Can Someone Lead Jamā‘ah Without the Appointed Imam’s Permission?

English:

Question #555:

Is an individual allowed to lead congregational prayer without the permission of the appointed Congregational prayer imam who has been appointed by the center which runs the affairs of the masjids?

Answer #555:

Holding congregational prayer is not dependent on the permission of the permanent congregational prayer imam. However, it is preferable that no one would prevent the imam from leading the prayer at the time of his presence in the masjid. If he is obstructed then that action could be defined as ḥarām if it becomes a cause of division and ignites conflict.

-Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Importance and Conditions of Prayer