What is the ruling on a slave (*'abd*) leading free men in obligatory prayer?

Primary text

The Imamate of a slave is permissible. This position is supported by Aisha, Ibn Mas'ud, Hudhayfah, and Abu Dharr, who prayed behind Abu Sa'id, a freed slave. Scholars supporting this view include Al-Hasan, Al-Sha'bi, Al-Nakha'i, Al-Hakam, Al-Thawri, Al-Shafi'i, Ishaq, and the Companions of Opinion (Ahl al-Ra'y). The evidence for this is the Prophet's saying: 'The people should be led by the one who knows the Book of Allah (Quran) best.' Furthermore, there is an established consensus based on the actions of the Companions, as documented when Abu Dharr, Ibn Mas'ud, and Hudhayfah agreed to let Abu Sa'id, while still a slave, lead them in prayer, an action that spread without dissent. Slavery is a condition of status that does not invalidate the correctness of his leadership, similar to debt.