Modern-day Imaams
Question:-
Can Fardh or Taraweeh Salaah be read behind an Alim or Hafiz who, as a leader and public figure,
1. By way of action promotes watching of TV and taking of photography openly,
2. Promotes intermingling?
In addition, should a Masjid committee encourage inviting speakers to the local Masjid who are public figures and leaders who promote a modern version of Islam such as, appearing on TV shows, taking photos, attending inter-faith gatherings, agreeing with all cultures, values and traditions in lieu of Islamic values?
Answer:-
The Imaamat of those watching television, appearing on television, taking pictures, allowing their pictures to be taken, promoting intermingling etc. is Makrooh. If there are more righteous and pious Imaams available, then they should be appointed to lead the Salaah.
When Hadrat Mufti Mahmood Saheb Rahimahullah was asked regarding the Imaamat of an Imaam that frequents the cinema, he replied by saying, “He should be prevented from frequenting the cinema and he should also be told, ‘If it is proven in the future that you have visited the cinema, then you will be dismissed from your post of Imaamat,’.”[Re:- Fataawa Mahmoodiyyah Pg.205 Vol.10]
Mufti Kifayatullah Saheb Rahimahullah has also stated that the Imaamat of one who watches television, is Makrooh. [Re:- Kifaayatul Mufti Pg.217 Vol.4]
The text of Maraaqil Falaah states, “The Imaamat of a Faasiq is Makrooh due to him showing no importance to the matters of Deen. It is Waajib to humiliate him in terms of Shariah hence, he should not be honoured by putting him forward for Imaamat.”
كره امامة الفاسق العالم لعدم اهتمامه بالدين فتجب اهانته شرعا فلا يعظم بتقديمه للامامة (مراقي الفلاح ص245)
On another occasion, Hadrat Mufti Mahmood Saheb Rahimahullah was asked regarding an Imaam that jokes with his sister-in-law (thereby not observing Shari’ee Purdah). He replied, “The Imaam (that jokes with his sister-in-law) has sinned and should sincerely repent. It is necessary for him to be cautious in this matter or else he should be removed from his position of Imaamat.” [Re:- Fataawa Mahmoodiyya Pg.95 Vol.10]
In conclusion, Masjid committees should invite speakers and appoint Imaams that are Ulama-e-Rabaaniyyeen (men of Allah), by whose discourses the love of Allah and His Rasul Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam will penetrate the hearts of people and, consequently, people will reform and become better Muslims. The Mashaa’ikh have stated that if one is carrying darkness within him (because of his sins), then despite him speaking on matters of Deen, darkness will spread amongst the masses. Hence, Masjid committees should be careful when selecting speakers, and refrain from hosting speakers that are involved in the various forms of evils such as those mentioned in the query. The Imaam is a representative of his congregation before Allah Ta’ala hence, the most righteous and pious should be chosen for this honourable task. However, if an Imaam had erred in the past and sincerely repented for his actions, then he should be afforded the opportunity to continue with his Imaamat and duties and should not be criticized in any way whatsoever.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 14 Muharram 1444 / 13 August 2022