What is the advice directed to imams and muezzins who are absent from their mosques, especially for Fajr prayer, without a legitimate excuse, and who justify it by having someone deputize for them?

The correct view is that congregational prayer is obligatory, except for an excuse such as illness or rain. Among the proofs for its obligation is the saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "Whoever hears the call and does not come, there is no prayer for him except for one with an excuse." This is a reminder of the importance of maintaining congregational prayer in the mosque and not missing it except for an excuse.

As for the Imam, the matter concerning him is more severe. He must uphold the trust, as Allah Almighty says: "Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due." It is not permissible for him to miss the congregation without an excuse. If an excuse arises, he must appoint someone suitable to lead the people in prayer until his excuse is removed.