Fatwa #694917 October 2002Pakistan
Is it permissible to pray behind: 1 Barelvi imam 2. Ihl-e-hadith imam? Brelvi imams are the ones who usually have several conflicts with ihl-e-sunnah wala jamat's aqaid
Question
Brelvi imams are the ones who usually have several conflicts with ihl-e-sunnah wala jamat's aqaid. For example they regard the Prophet Muhammad SallAllahoalaihiwasallam as noor. They have introduced several bidahs and modifications into deen. For example reciting durood before and after azan on loudspeaker etc. Celebrating Milad (birthday of Prophet SallAllahoalaihiwasallam). They beleive Rasoolullah SalAllahoalaihiwasallam to be hazir nazir. Kindly explain, prayer behind such a person is valid or not? What is your ruling about praying behind Ihl-e-hadith?
Answer
1. It is not permissible to perform Salaat behind an Imaam who possess beliefs of Shirk (associating partners with Allah). However, if his beliefs do not tantamount to Shirk, then it is permissible to follow him in Salaat. (Fataawa Mahmoodiyah vol.2 pg.97)
2. It is permissible to perform Salaat behind those Ahl-e-Hadith who do not revere Imaam Abu Hanifa, etc. and consider other Madhabis when leading Salaat. (Fataawa Mahmoodiyah vol.1 pg.261)
and Allah Ta?ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
2. It is permissible to perform Salaat behind those Ahl-e-Hadith who do not revere Imaam Abu Hanifa, etc. and consider other Madhabis when leading Salaat. (Fataawa Mahmoodiyah vol.1 pg.261)
and Allah Ta?ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai