The ruling on performing Salah

Q 8: There are two people; one of them smokes but lets his beard grow and the other shaves his beard, who is more worthy of assuming Imamah (leading people in Salah)? What is the ruling if they are equal in memorizing the Qur'an and in their knowledge of Sunnah and the people they lead in Salah (Prayer) do not recite the Qur'an well?

A: Smoking and shaving the beard are acts of disobedience to Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He). (Part No. 7; Page No. 374) If both people are worthy of Imamah and there is no one among the attendants of Salah better than them, then it is permissible for both of them to lead people in Salah. However, the one who does not shave his beard is worthier of Imamah than the other because shaving the beard is a sin that is seen publicly. As for smoking, it may be hidden and not known by the Ma'mum (a person being led by an Imam in Prayer). May Allah guide them both!May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.