Is it permissible for someone other than the preacher to lead the prayer without a valid excuse?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
Ahmad disliked the substitution when there is no excuse. The basis for potential prohibition is the Prophet's consistent performance of both acts and the principle derived from the command to pray as the Prophet prayed. It is inferred that the two acts (sermon and prayer) should remain connected.
Supporting text
A possibility exists for permissibility because the sermon is separate from the prayer, similar to two distinct prayers. This implies that the requirement for unification might not be absolute.