What is the ruling on praying behind an innovator?
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The questioner : What is the ruling on praying behind an innovator?
The Shaykh : Praying behind an innovator: if this is something that encourages people to follow him, thereby increasing his weight in the eyes of the people and strengthening his religious innovation, then it is not permissible to pray with him, whatever the innovation may be.
And if it has no such effect, then if his innovation is one that entails disbelief, he should not be prayed behind; but if his innovation is one that entails open sinfulness, he may be prayed behind, just like other sinners.
However, if this leads to his becoming arrogant and clinging to his innovation, then it is not permissible to pray behind him, in order to belittle him and so that he does not mislead people with his innovation.
The Shaykh : Praying behind an innovator: if this is something that encourages people to follow him, thereby increasing his weight in the eyes of the people and strengthening his religious innovation, then it is not permissible to pray with him, whatever the innovation may be.
And if it has no such effect, then if his innovation is one that entails disbelief, he should not be prayed behind; but if his innovation is one that entails open sinfulness, he may be prayed behind, just like other sinners.
However, if this leads to his becoming arrogant and clinging to his innovation, then it is not permissible to pray behind him, in order to belittle him and so that he does not mislead people with his innovation.