My father (may Allah سبحانه وتعالى have mercy on him) said in his letter to me: "Know, my son, that the one most deserving to lead the congregation is the one most proficient in reciting the Qur'an. If they are equal in recitation, then the one who has the most understanding of jurisprudence (Fiqh). If they are equal in Fiqh, then the one who has migrated (performed Hijrah) the earliest. If they are equal in migration, then the oldest in age. If they are equal in age, then the one with the most pleasing appearance. The owner of the mosque has more right to lead in his mosque. Let those who stand closest to the Imam be people of sound judgment and piety so that if the Imam forgets or becomes confused, they can correct him. The best rows are the front rows, and the best part of the front row is that which is closest to the Imam."