Question
If the Imam remembers during the prayer that he is not in a state of ablution, is it permissible for him to appoint a substitute, or is the prayer invalid?
Answer
I say, and with God's help: It is not permissible to appoint a substitute; because his prayer is invalid without ablution, as he initiated it without ablution, and a substitute can only be appointed for someone whose ablution is invalidated during the prayer. And God knows best.