Title: Can we Pray behind this Imam

Question: In our local Masjid, on every Friday morning after Fajr salah, the Imam is gathering some persons near the grave which is situated at the backside of the Masjid and reciting the famous "Ya Nabi Salam Alaikum..........". Also he is encouraging the persons to go to Dargahs of the Auliyas. After knowing about this shall we pray behind this Imam? Please advise.

Answer ID: 40777Posted on: Aug 30, 2020

Bismillah hir-Rahman nir-Rahim !

(Fatwa: 1300/1300/M=1433) If the said imam has shikrkiya belief then you should not offer salah behind him. And if he does not have such beliefs rather is involved only in bid’ah then it is better to offer salah behind him instead of offering salah alone so that one can get the virtues of Jamah. صلى خلف فاسق أو مبتدع نال فضل الجماعة. (در مختار) What does the said imam says to the people to practice on the grave of the auliya? It is not proved to offer the said Salam at the grave of any person. It is innovation and bid’ah.