Source: Fatawa ‘Ulama-e-Hadith, Kitab al-Salah, Volume 1, Page 222
❀ Question:
A mosque Imam’s brother-in-law abducted a woman, and the Imam was reportedly involved in this act. Both of them are now living with the woman, and the Imam even arranged their accommodation. Is such a person eligible to lead prayer?
✔ Ruling:
If this incident is accurate and the Imam is actively involved in the crime, then he is gravely sinful and a fasiq (open sinner). Such a person is absolutely unfit to lead prayer. In Islam, the Imam must possess a pure and trustworthy character, and anyone involved in serious sins must be immediately removed from the position of Imamate.
Until and unless the Imam:
① Repents sincerely,
② Returns the woman to her rightful guardian (husband), and
③ Shows clear signs of reformation,
he must not be reinstated to the role of Imam.
References:
- Faqir Muhammad Yusuf Dehlavi, Madrasa Aminiyyah, Delhi
- Muhammad Kifayatullah, Delhi
