Is it disliked for one to lead a congregation who predominantly dislikes him?
Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is disliked (makruh) for a person to lead a congregation if the majority of the people dislike him. This is evidenced by the statement of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): 'Three whose prayer does not pass above their ears are: a runaway slave until he returns, a wife whose husband spent the night angry with her, and an Imam of a people who dislike him.' This hadith was classified as Hasan Gharib by Al-Tirmidhi. Furthermore, another narration states that the prayer of three groups is not accepted: one who leads a people who dislike him, one who performs prayer in a 'dubar' (performing the prayer after its time has passed), and a man who frees a slave and then owns him again.
Supporting text
Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him) stated that if one, two, or three people dislike the Imam, there is no issue, but it becomes disliked when the majority of the people dislike him. However, if the people dislike an Imam who possesses religious commitment and adherence to the Sunnah due to personal reasons, his leadership is not considered disliked. Mansur reported that regarding the issue of Imamat, they were informed that the prohibition or dislike mentioned is only intended for unjust rulers, and that for one who establishes the Sunnah, the sin lies upon those who dislike him.