For the Imaam to be on Time

Q: Salaah-652: Our Imaam is usually late for the lsha salaah and sometimes does not come at all. His excuse is that his mealtimes occur at exactly the time for salaah and the Hadith states that when a meal is ready, one should first eat and then perform salaah. Is this acceptable?

Answer: This directive does not apply to an Imaam because it would inconvenience the Musallis and delay the salaah. The Imaam must give importance to the time. There will however be no harm done if there is a deputy Imaam. but it is not at all appropriate to make this a habit. An Imaam and Muqtadi should ensure that they complete their meals in time for salaah or change their mealtimes. And Allaah knows best what is most correct.

Fatawa Rahimiyyah vol.2