Is It Permissible to Pray Behind an Innovator (Bidʿatī) or a Polytheist (Mushrik)?
Source: Aḥkām wa Masāʾil – Bāb al-Ṣalāh, Vol. 1, p. 156
Question:
Can prayer be performed behind a person who is an innovator (bidʿatī) or a polytheist (mushrik)?
Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
A person who is a disbeliever (kāfir) or polytheist (mushrik) cannot be followed in prayer. His imāmah is invalid, even if he outwardly claims to be from Ahl al-Ḥadīth.
The proof is the statement of Allah Almighty:
﴿وَبَاطِلٌ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ﴾
"And all that they used to do has become void."
This verse clearly establishes that the deeds of disbelievers and polytheists are void in the sight of Allah. Therefore, performing prayer behind them is also invalid.
If an innovation (bidʿah) reaches the level of kufr or shirk, then it takes the same ruling: such a person is counted among the disbelievers or polytheists, and prayer behind him is not permissible.
Hādhā mā ʿindī, wallāhu aʿlam bi-ṣ-ṣawāb.
