QUESTION:
The Imaam of our Masjid allows his son to perform Imaamat during his turn. His son is becoming Hafiz. We did not see his son in the Masjid for two weeks prior to him coming to perform Imaamat on his father’s part, who is on leave and gone abroad The Imaam and his son live on the Masjid premises adjoining the Masjid. The Imaam’s son was seen speeding, with loud music and western clothes. Is it permissible for us to read behind him? Will our Salah be accepted?
ANSWER:
The Imaam represents his congregation before Allah Ta’ala, hence the best person should be appointed as the Imaam. It is not acceptable to appoint a youngster who is not punctual with his Salaah, playing loud music and driving around, donning western clothing as the Imaam, particularly when there are more qualified and righteous people in the congregation. The resident Imaam, who is currently in a neighbouring country, should be requested to appoint an appropriate Imaam in his absence as soon as possible. However, the Salaah performed behind the Faasiq Imaam will be valid albeit Makrooh. Also, the congregation has a valid Shari’ee reason to be displeased with his Imaamat.
وكره إمامة العبد والأعمى والأعرابي وولد الزنا والجاهل والفاسق والمبتدع وتطويل الصلاة (مراقي الفلاح ص115 ج1)
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date:- 19 Jumadal Ukhra 1445 / 02 January 2024
