What is the ruling on praying behind one who permits seeking nearness to Allah through means other than Allah?

Question : The questioner asks: Is it permissible to pray behind one who permits tawassul (seeking nearness to Allah through a means) from the Sufis and others?

Answer : Praying behind one who permits tawassul: if he permits shirk (associating partners with Allah) tawassul, there is no doubt that it is not permissible to pray behind him, because one who permits shirk has denied the Shari'ah. If he permits permissible tawassul, there is no issue with the validity of praying behind him. If he intends the tawassul that is subject to scholarly disagreement, then his case must be examined. It may be in the public interest to boycott him and keep our distance from him, and it may be in the public interest to pray behind him. This issue cannot be regulated except by looking at each specific case individually.