The Ruling on Praying Behind an Innovator

Question:
This questioner, Sa'id, asks: Is it permissible to pray behind an innovator?

Answer:
The ruling differs depending on whether the innovation involves shirk (associating partners with Allah) or kufr (disbelief). If it involves shirk or kufr, it is not permissible to pray behind him. If it is less than shirk or kufr, he is not to be appointed as an imam, nor chosen for the position of imam, nor installed as imam. This is because the condition for an imam is that he be among the best of those present in terms of religion, worship, and knowledge. One who practices bid'ah (religious innovation) is not to be appointed as imam. People follow the imam, so this leads to the spread of bid'ah. However, if you come and the people are praying behind an imam and you know nothing about this imam, pray with them and hold a good opinion of him. If you know something about him, but it is a minor bid'ah that does not amount to fisq (open sinfulness), kufr, or shirk, then pray with them as well, and do not abandon the congregational prayer. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you,