✦ Extracted from: Fatāwā ʿUlamāʾ-e-Ḥadīth, Kitāb al-Ṣalāh, Vol. 1, p. 238
Organized for clarity with proper structure.
However, if the imam is free from such heretical beliefs and leads the prayer according to Islamic principles, then the prayer may be valid, although it is still not advisable to appoint him as an imam deliberately.
"اجعلوا أئمتكم خياركم"
“Appoint the best among you as your imams.”
(Authentic ḥadīth)
This instruction emphasizes the importance of selecting an imam who is upright in faith, correct in beliefs, and God-fearing.
◄ If he is free from such beliefs, prayer behind him may be valid, but he should not be chosen deliberately as imam.
◄ Preference should be given to someone firm in religion and sound in creed.
Organized for clarity with proper structure.
❖ Question
The nearest mosque in our neighborhood has a Barelvi imam. Should we perform prayer behind him or pray separately?❖ Answer
Some of the Barelvi sect's beliefs are considered acts of disbelief (kufr). If the imam in question adheres to such Barelvi beliefs that fall under kufr, then it is not permissible to perform prayer behind him.However, if the imam is free from such heretical beliefs and leads the prayer according to Islamic principles, then the prayer may be valid, although it is still not advisable to appoint him as an imam deliberately.
❖ Prophetic Guidance
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:"اجعلوا أئمتكم خياركم"
“Appoint the best among you as your imams.”
(Authentic ḥadīth)
This instruction emphasizes the importance of selecting an imam who is upright in faith, correct in beliefs, and God-fearing.
❖ Summary
◄ If the imam adheres to Barelvi beliefs classified as kufr, then prayer behind him is invalid.◄ If he is free from such beliefs, prayer behind him may be valid, but he should not be chosen deliberately as imam.
◄ Preference should be given to someone firm in religion and sound in creed.
