Is the hadith of 'Amr ibn Salamah Al-Jarmi reliable evidence regarding leadership in prayer?
Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The authenticity of the hadith narrated by 'Amr ibn Salamah Al-Jarmi, where the Prophet (peace be upon him) appointed him to lead his people while he was young, is questioned.
Supporting text
Al-Khattabi stated that Ahmad considered the matter of 'Amr ibn Salamah weak. Ahmad once stated it was insignificant. Abu Dawud reported that when asked about the hadith of 'Amr ibn Salamah, Ahmad replied he did not know what that matter was. This doubt may stem from the lack of confirmation that the instruction reached the Prophet (peace be upon him) as 'Amr was in the desert far from Medina. This possibility is strengthened by 'Amr's statement in the hadith that when he prostrated, his backside would emerge, which is considered unacceptable.