What is the ruling on praying behind a Sufi imam who claims to have met Al-Khidr and shaken hands with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and claims that Muhammad was the first of creation, not illiterate, and not a human like us?
The ruling on praying behind a Sufi is linked to the dispute surrounding the vision of Al-Khidr and the Prophet while awake. If the imam believes in innovated doctrines, such as the saying that Prophet Muhammad is not human or that he was not illiterate, then he is considered an innovator. Praying behind him is permissible if no other imam is available. However, if an imam from among the people of the Sunnah is found, then praying behind him is better.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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