Source: Fatawa Ulama-e-Hadith – Kitab as-Salah, Volume 1❖ Question:
I work in a government office where Dhuhr prayer is scheduled from 1:15 to 1:45 PM. A designated prayer space exists in the office, and a Qari Sahib affiliated with the Deobandi school sometimes leads the prayer. However, he does not lead regularly, and at times a Barelvi imam steps forward. The prayer is often led hastily, leaving insufficient time to recite Surah Al-Fatiha behind the imam. What should I do in such a situation? Should I perform the prayer individually at the earliest time, or join the congregational prayer regardless of who leads it—even if their beliefs differ or the prayer is rushed?❖ Answer:
In this situation, the recommended course of action is as follows:➊ Strive to Establish Congregation at the Earliest Time:
Try to motivate your colleagues to establish the prayer at the earliest permissible time (around 12:30 PM). If you are capable, take the responsibility of leading the prayer yourself.
➋ Designate a Correct-Belief Imam:
If you are unable to lead, appoint someone whose ‘aqeedah (creed) is correct and free from clear acts of shirk (polytheism).
Prayer behind someone who commits clear acts of shirk—like supplicating to other than Allah or seeking aid from saints—is invalid.
➌ Avoid Losing the Reward of Congregation:
Though praying alone is valid in such a case, it deprives you of the tremendous reward of praying in congregation. So, instead of praying alone, make an effort to form a small group with a correct-belief imam.
❖ Fatwa of Shaykh Salih Al-Munajjid:
A similar question was posed to Shaykh Salih Al-Munajjid regarding whether to delay ‘Asr prayer to join a Hanafi mosque congregation due to work commitments or pray alone earlier.He replied:
It is not permissible to delay the prayer without necessity. The Sunnah is to pray at its earliest time, even if it means praying alone. Congregational prayer carries more reward, but praying on time takes precedence.
❖ Ruling on Praying Behind an Innovator:
☑ If the Imam's bid'ah (innovation) does not reach the level of disbelief, prayer behind him is permissible.☑ If the Imam commits shirk-based innovations, such as:
- Supplicating to others besides Allah
- Seeking help from deceased saints
Then prayer behind such a person is invalid.
🖋 Shaykh Ibn Baz and Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen affirmed this principle:
“It is permissible to pray behind a person of innovation if his innovation does not reach kufr.”
❖ Summary of the Ruling:
Try to organize a proper congregation and appoint an imam of sound creed. If not feasible, you may perform the prayer alone at the beginning of its time. Do not pray behind someone involved in clear shirk. A small group prayer with a proper imam is better than praying alone.
May Allah guide you and make things easy for you.