Does the Imam have to be an Aalim?

Q:           The Imaam of one Masjid is not an Aalim. However, he knows the faraaidh, waajibaat, sunan and nullifying factors of Salaat well. Furthermore, his recital of the Qur’aan Shareef is correct. But he is not an Aalim. If an Aalim comes to this Musjid then should the regular Imaam perform the Salaat or the visiting Aalim?

A: The right of performing Salaat, i.e. making Imaamat, belongs to the regular Imaam. He should perform the Salaat. He is not in need of taking permission from the visiting Aalim. The Aalim Saheb should not lead the Salaat without permission from the regular Imaam.