Ruling on Praying Behind an Unmarried Person

✦ Extracted from: Fatāwā ʿUlamāʾ-e-Ḥadīth, Kitāb al-Ṣalāh, Vol. 1, p. 228
Organized for clarity and structure.

❖ Question​

Zaid is 60 years old and has remained unmarried throughout his life. Is it permissible to pray behind him, considering he possesses knowledge of Islamic teachings?

❖ Answer​

If Zaid does not reject the institution of marriage and has been unable to marry despite efforts, then he is not at fault. His unmarried status does not disqualify him from leading the prayer.

If Zaid fulfills the required qualities for imāmah, such as:

• Taqwā (piety)
• Knowledge of Sharīʿah
• Fulfilling the conditions of a valid imam

Then it is permissible to pray behind him, and his leadership in prayer is valid.

❖ Summary​

◄ If Zaid has not intentionally rejected marriage and meets the Shar‘ī qualifications for imāmah, then his imāmah is valid.
◄ Praying behind him is permissible.

❖ Reference​

◄ Muḥammad Ṣiddīq Sargodhā, Tanzīm Ahl-e-Ḥadīth, Vol. 21, Issue No. 17