Source: Fatawa ‘Ulama-e-Hadith, Kitab al-Salah, Volume 1
If you are certain that the Imam does not hold a belief that nullifies Islam, then prayer behind him is valid, though only under necessity (e.g., lack of an alternative).
Under normal circumstances, the preferred and recommended option is to pray behind an Imam with sound ʿaqīdah (correct belief) upon the Salafi methodology, as supported by scholarly consensus.
و الله أعلم
(And Allah knows best)
❀ Question:
Is it permissible to offer prayer behind a Deobandi or Barelvi Imam? If yes, on what basis is it allowed?❀ Answer:
The scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamā‘ah are of the view that:- If an Imam is involved in a bid‘ah ghayr mukaffirah (a non-excommunicating innovation), praying behind him is permissible.
This applies whether the Imam is Deobandi, Barelvi, or affiliated with any other group. - However, if the Imam holds a bid‘ah mukaffirah (an innovation that constitutes disbelief and takes one out of the fold of Islam), it is not permissible to pray behind him—regardless of whether he is Barelvi, Deobandi, or even Ahl-e-Hadith.
If you are certain that the Imam does not hold a belief that nullifies Islam, then prayer behind him is valid, though only under necessity (e.g., lack of an alternative).
Under normal circumstances, the preferred and recommended option is to pray behind an Imam with sound ʿaqīdah (correct belief) upon the Salafi methodology, as supported by scholarly consensus.
و الله أعلم
(And Allah knows best)
