Back to search
The question

Does the prayer of one who prays behind an Imam intending to pray alone become invalidated?

Share this answer

Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

Congregational prayer is obligatory according to many scholars, and it should not be abandoned due to animosity between the worshiper and the imam. If the worshiper prays behind an imam whom people dislike for a blameworthy reason according to Islamic law, such as his injustice or فسق (transgression), then their prayer will not ascend above their heads. However, if the worshiper prays and does not intend to follow the imam, there are two scenarios: First, his actions coincide with the imam's without waiting for him; in this case, his prayer is valid. Second, he waits for a long time without intending to follow, which invalidates his prayer because he linked it to someone not intended as an example. As for a slight wait or spontaneous following, it does not harm.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported

Read the full answer on Ftawy
Source platform
Ftawy
Original fatwa ID
72543
Imported
Translation status
Source text, unreviewed
Read the full ruling
Read the full answer on Ftawy