Ruling on Praying Behind an Imam with Polytheistic Beliefs

Authored by: Shaykh Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani (Hafizahullah)

Question:​

Is it permissible to perform Salah behind an imam who holds polytheistic (shirk) beliefs?

Answer:​

The Qur'an and authentic Hadith make it explicitly clear that certain beliefs and practices, such as considering the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as omnipresent and all-seeing (Hadir wa Nazir), calling upon Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (رحمہ اللہ) as Ghaus-e-Azam, or attributing the title Data to Ali Hujweri (رحمہ اللہ), constitute shirk (polytheism). A person who holds such beliefs is undoubtedly a polytheist (mushrik).

Attributes such as granting benefit or harm, removing difficulties, or bestowing children are exclusive to Allah (سبحانہ وتعالیٰ). These attributes have not been given to anyone, including the beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), as evidenced by the following verses:

Proof from the Qur'an​

1. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) Declares No Control Over Benefit or Harm:
   “Say, [O Muhammad], ‘I possess no power to benefit or harm myself except as Allah wills.’”
   – [Al-A'raf: 188]
2. Exclusive Worship of Allah:
   “Say, ‘I only call upon my Lord and do not associate anyone with Him. Say, ‘Indeed, I do not possess [the power to cause] harm or guidance for you.’”
   – [Al-Jinn: 20-21]

These verses clearly state that the attributes of Allah cannot be attributed to anyone else. Allah is unique in His essence and attributes, and anyone who assigns these qualities to others commits shirk.

Consequences of Shirk​

1. Shirk Nullifies All Deeds:
   “And if they had associated others with Allah, then worthless for them would be whatever they were doing.”
   – [Al-An'am: 88]
2. Warning to Prophets Against Shirk:
   “And it was already revealed to you and to those before you: If you should associate [anything] with Allah, your work would surely become worthless, and you would surely be among the losers.”
   – [Az-Zumar: 65]

These verses demonstrate that the deeds of a polytheist, regardless of their nature—prayer, fasting, Hajj, or Zakat—are not accepted by Allah (سبحانہ وتعالیٰ).

Implications for Prayer Behind a Polytheist Imam​

If an imam is a polytheist, their own deeds are nullified and unacceptable to Allah. Therefore:

1. Invalidity of Salah Behind a Mushrik Imam:
   • When an imam’s acts of worship are invalid, the prayer of those following him also cannot be valid.
2. Requirement for a Correct Belief:
   • An imam must have correct beliefs (aqeedah) to lead the Salah. Someone with deviant or polytheistic beliefs is unfit for this role.

Conclusion:​

Praying behind an imam who holds polytheistic beliefs is not permissible, as their actions are not accepted by Allah, and their leadership in Salah cannot fulfill the requirements of valid worship. Believers should ensure their imam is of sound Islamic belief and practice.

Allah knows best.