What is the ruling if the regular Imam of a locality is absent due to illness, absence, or another excuse, another person leads, and then the regular Imam returns during the prayer?
Chapter on Praying with Impurity and Other Matters
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
If the regular Imam returns, steps back, and the person who was leading builds upon the prayer led by his successor, this is permissible. This is based on the precedent set by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and Abu Bakr.
Supporting text
There is a second opinion stating that this is not permissible, based on the possibility that the actions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in that context were specific to him due to his superior merit, which others do not share.