What is the ruling on praying behind an Imam who permits seeking intercession from saints (awliya') with the intention of seeking their intercession, and interprets Al-Busiri's verses ("To whom can I flee for refuge...") as pertaining only to the Day of Judgment? What is the validity of his statement and praying behind him? What is the ruling on praying behind a muezzin who chants: "From your bounty are this world and its counterpart... And from your knowledge are the Tablet and the Pen," when the regular Imam is absent? And is it obligatory to leave the mosque in these cases?
Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Supplicating to other than Allah is major Shirk. As for asking a deceased person to supplicate or intercede, it is a forbidden innovation (bid'ah) and a means leading to Shirk. The poem “Al-Burdah” contains many transgressions. Regarding praying behind such individuals, if it is not permissible to pray behind one of them, one can leave the mosque or pray with another congregation.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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