An unmarried person acting as an Imam

A: It is permissible for an unmarried man to be an Imam and the Salah will not be deficient. It is also permissible for you to lead the people in Jumu‘ah (Friday) Prayer and deliver the Friday Khutbah (sermon), according to the Hadith on the authority of Ibn Mas‘ud (may Allah be pleased with him) who narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “The most versed in reciting the Book of Allah should lead the people in Salah. If they are equally versed in recitation, then the one who is most knowledgeable about the Sunnah. If they are equally knowledgeable about the Sunnah, then the earliest to undertake Hijrah (Migration from Makkah to Madinah). If they are equal in terms of Hijrah, then the earliest to embrace Islam.” According to another narration, “then the oldest in age.” (Related by Muslim, Abu Dawud, and Al-Tirmidhy) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.