Is the ruling regarding the Imam abstaining from praying over a person who embezzled spoils of war specific only to the Prophet?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Funerals
Primary text
The specific abstention from praying over the embezzler (ghaal) is restricted to the Imam. This is derived from the Prophet's instruction, 'Pray over your companion,' when he abstained from praying over the embezzler. The Prophet's abandonment of prayer over the debtor in the early days of Islam, later revoked when Allah granted prosperity and the Prophet assumed responsibility for the debts, serves as a precedent. What is established for the Prophet remains established for others unless evidence confirms a specific qualification for the Prophet alone. The initial refusal to pray over the debtor was subsequently lifted, indicating that the command to pray follows the abandonment of prayer by the Prophet.
Supporting text
Some might argue that the Prophet's prayer holds a unique sanctity (sakana), implying his omission is special. However, this argument is countered by the fact that the Prophet later commanded others to pray when he refrained. Thus, the Prophet's act of leaving the prayer and his subsequent command to pray are not contradictory, just as his command, 'Pray over whoever says La ilaha illa Allah,' is not contradicted by these specific rulings.