Chapter on the Rulings of Congregational Prayer (the Minimum Number for Congregational Prayer, the Description of the Imam, Who Is to Be Followed and Who Is Not to Be Followed, Recitation Behind Both of Them, the Rulings of Those Led in Prayer, and Other Such Rulings Related to It)

Tahdhīb al-Aḥkām|Volume 3|Book 1|Chapter 3

Tahdhīb al-Aḥkām

Volume 3, Book 1, Chapter 3

Chapter on the Rulings of Congregational Prayer (the Minimum Number for Congregational Prayer, the Description of the Imam, Who Is to Be Followed and Who Is Not to Be Followed, Recitation Behind Both of Them, the Rulings of Those Led in Prayer, and Other Such Rulings Related to It)

Commentary #2

فمحمول على حال الضرورة فاما مع التمكن من وجود غيرهما فلا يقدمان على كل حال ويجوز أن يكون هذا الخبر متنا ولا لقوم تكون في صفاتهم مثل صفات هؤلاء فانه حينئذ يجوز لهما أن يؤما بهم على كل حال ولا يؤم المقيد المطلقين ولا صاحب الفالج الاصحاء روى ذلك

So this report is to be understood as applying to a situation of necessity. But when it is possible to find someone other than them, then they are not to be preferred in any case. It is also permissible that this report is specifically referring to a group whose condition is like theirs in that case, it is permitted for them to lead them in prayer under all circumstances. And the one who is restrained (in chains) does not lead those who are free, nor does one afflicted with paralysis lead those who are healthy. This has been narrated: