Is the prayer valid if a minor leads others (adults or minors) in a supererogatory prayer (Nawafil)?
Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
There are two narrations regarding the permissibility of a minor leading others in supererogatory prayers. One narration states that it is not valid, based on the reasoning provided for the obligatory prayer.
Supporting text
The second narration states that it is valid. This permission is granted because a person praying a supererogatory prayer is leading others who are also praying a supererogatory prayer, and supererogatory acts generally allow for leniency. This is evidenced by the fact that congregational prayer for supererogatory acts is established even if the follower is praying alone (or is leading someone else who is praying alone/following him).