Referenced from: Fatawa ‘Ulama-e-Hadith, Kitab al-Salah, Vol. 1, pp. 199–200❖ Question
Is it permissible to pray behind a scholar who practices bid‘ah (innovation) and listen to his sermons? If listeners ignore his unscriptural views but follow the rest of his advice, is it acceptable?❖ Answer
In the light of Hadith and scholarly consensus, a person known for religious innovation (bid‘ah) should not be deliberately appointed as an Imam. Instead, an Imam should be someone who is righteous and firm upon the Sunnah.❖ Hadith Evidence
Ibn ‘Abbas رضي الله عنه narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:“Appoint the best among you as your Imam, for they are a representative between you and your Lord.”
(Narrated by al-Daraqutni)
❖ Praying Behind a Bid‘ati in Case of Necessity
In situations of necessity or compulsion, such as when the person is a ruler or influential figure, and resisting him may cause turmoil, it is permissible to pray behind him.For example, in Sahih al-Bukhari, people expressed discomfort to ‘Uthman رضي الله عنه about praying behind a Fitnah-causing Imam. He replied:
“Among the best of people’s deeds is Salah; when they pray, you should also pray with them.”
❖ General Rule
The Prophet ﷺ stated:“The obligatory prayer is binding behind every Muslim, whether righteous or sinful.”
❖ Listening to a Bid‘ati Preacher
Listening to sermons of a Bid‘ati speaker is discouraged, as they may include ideas contrary to the Qur’an and Sunnah, leading people astray—especially those unable to distinguish truth from falsehood.Bid‘ati sermons often promote shirk, innovations, and sins, which pose a spiritual danger to listeners.
Hence, it is advised not to attend such sermons. According to the Prophet ﷺ, if a harmful or false word is heard from such a person, it should be rejected—by hand, speech, or at least the heart.
If one cannot actively oppose the falsehood, avoiding the gathering itself is the minimum obligation.
❖ Conclusion
- Praying behind a Bid‘ati Imam is not advisable without necessity.
- Listening to a Bid‘ati preacher’s sermon is also strongly discouraged due to the risk of misguidance.
- In exceptional cases where conflict may arise, praying behind such an Imam may be permissible, but one must guard against any misleading content.
Wallahu A‘lam bis-Sawab — And Allah knows best.
(Fatwa by: Shaykh Sayyid Muhammad Nadhir Husayn)
