We seek guidance on a matter that has precipitated confusion and debate within our community.

Question

We seek guidance on a matter that has precipitated confusion and debate within our community. Recently, a distinguished Egyptian qari and a Tanzanian qari visited the South Coast area for a two-day tour, scheduled to lead Maghrib Salaahs and participate in Qirat programs at various venues. Regretably, an incident transpired at the Shelly Beach Musalla, where the Egyptian qari was precluded from leading the Maghrib Salaah by the Imam, Mufti Yaseen Jeewa, senior Ustadh of Fiqh and Hadith at Darul Uloom Miftahul Falah. This decision was made without prior consultation or notification with Mufti Sahb, who does not maintain a presence on social media platforms. The trustees, who were the hosts of the qaris as well, attempted to override Mufti Sahib's authority. Mufti Sahib's rationale was that the qari's shaved beard rendered him unsuitable to lead the congregation in Salah, prompting Mufti Sahib to perform the Salah himself. The situation escalated after the Salah, culminating in a contentious exchange, resulting in the trustee's angry departure and accidental damage to his vehicle. I request your clarification on the following points: 1. Were Mufti Sahib's actions justified, considering the Hadith: "Perform Salah behind every righteous and sinful person", and the fact that other masaajid, including the Darul Uloom, permitted the qari's participation in their programs and Salaahs? 2. Is there a distinction between a clean-shaven qari participating in a qiraat program and leading the congregational Salaah?