Is it disliked (makruh) for a Bedouin (A'rabi) to lead the prayer (Imamah)?
Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
Leading the prayer by a Bedouin is not disliked, provided he is qualified for leadership. This position is held by Ata, Ath-Thawri, Ash-Shafi'i, Ishaq, and the companions of the opinion (Ashaab ar-Ra'y). The evidence is the Prophet's saying: "The people should be led in prayer by the one who has memorized the most of Allah's Book." Furthermore, the Bedouin is a responsible person eligible for Imamah, similar to the Muhajir (migrant from Mecca). The Muhajir is superior to the Bedouin because the Muhajir preceded the one who was late in migration, thus one who did not migrate (the Bedouin) is considered secondary (to the Muhajir).
Supporting text
Abu Mijlaz disliked the Imamah of the Bedouin. Malik stated that the Bedouin should not lead the prayer, even if he is the most knowledgeable reciter, based on the verse: {The Arabs of the desert are the most firm in disbelief and hypocrisy, and most likely not to know the limits of what Allah has revealed to His Messenger} [Quran 9:97]. Abu al-Khattab noted that the settled resident (Hadari) is superior to the Bedouin because there is a difference of opinion regarding the Bedouin's leadership, and because their general disposition tends towards harshness and lesser knowledge of Allah's limits.