Ruling on Praying Behind an Imam Without Wudu
Source: Fatawa Ameenpuri — Shaykh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Ameenpuri
❖ Question
What is the ruling on praying behind an imam who knowingly prays without wudu?
❖ Answer
الحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام علىٰ رسول الله، أما بعد!
It is not permissible to knowingly perform prayer without wudu or tayammum. Likewise, it is haram to pray behind an imam when it is certain that he is without wudu.
◈ Scholarly Consensus
- Hafiz al-Nawawi (676 AH) رحمه الله stated:
"The Ummah has reached consensus that it is haram to pray behind someone in a state of hadath (without wudu), if one knows of his state."
(al-Majmuʿ 4/256)
◈ Conclusion
- Performing prayer without wudu knowingly is invalid.
- Following such an imam in prayer is haram by consensus.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
