Source: Fatawa ‘Ulama-e-Hadith, Kitab al-Salah, Volume 1, Pages 218–220
If such an Imam:
① Seeks forgiveness from his parents,
② Repents sincerely before Allah, and
③ Resolves to obey and honor his parents henceforth,
then his Imamate may become valid, as the Hadith states:
"التَّائِبُ مِنَ الذَّنْبِ كَمَنْ لَا ذَنْبَ لَهُ"
(Translation: One who repents from sin is like one who has never sinned.)
However, if the Imam is not genuine in his repentance and continues to mistreat his parents, he should be immediately removed from the position of Imam.
References:
❀ Question:
A mosque Imam mistreats his parents, abuses them verbally and physically. If he seeks forgiveness, can he still be considered eligible to lead the prayer?✔ Ruling:
Mistreating and disobeying one’s parents is classified as a major sin (kabirah) in Islamic law. A person guilty of such an act is not worthy of leading prayer, unless he sincerely repents.If such an Imam:
① Seeks forgiveness from his parents,
② Repents sincerely before Allah, and
③ Resolves to obey and honor his parents henceforth,
then his Imamate may become valid, as the Hadith states:
"التَّائِبُ مِنَ الذَّنْبِ كَمَنْ لَا ذَنْبَ لَهُ"
(Translation: One who repents from sin is like one who has never sinned.)
However, if the Imam is not genuine in his repentance and continues to mistreat his parents, he should be immediately removed from the position of Imam.
References:
- Abu Sa‘id Muhammad Sharaf al-Din, Madrasa Sa‘idiyyah, Delhi
- Abu al-Fadl ‘Abd al-Mannan, Editor, Ahl-e-Hadith Gazette, Delhi
- Muhammad Yunus, First Instructor, Hazrat Miyan Sahib, Delhi
- ‘Ubaydullah Rahmani, Instructor, Madrasa Rahmaniyyah, Delhi
