The ruling on praying behind an imam who shaves his beard

Question:
May Allah reward you. This questioner has four questions. In his first question, he says: Is it permissible to pray behind an imam who shaves his beard and orders people to shave their beards?

Answer:
No, if Allah wills. This is not something that should be; he should not be an imam. His case should be referred to the competent authority so that he is removed and someone else is appointed. One who shaves his beard and orders people to shave their beards is not fit to be an imam. It is not permissible; he should be removed. However, if a person prays behind him, the prayer is valid, because he is a sinner, and prayer behind a sinner is valid. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said that the sinner is not a disbeliever, so the prayer is valid. But it is not permissible to appoint as an imam one who is known for shaving the beard, and who, on top of that, calls people to do so. It is not permissible to appoint him as an imam. His case should be referred to the competent authority so that he is replaced.