Prayer Behind a Sinner

Q: What is the ruling on praying behind a sinner, such as one who shaves his beard and smokes tobacco?

A: The scholars have differed on this issue. Some held that the prayer behind a sinner is invalid due to the weakness of his faith and trustworthiness. However, a large group of scholars held that it is valid. Nevertheless, it is not befitting for the rulers to appoint sinners as imams for the people when others are available, and this is the correct position. This is because he is a Muslim who knows that prayer is obligatory upon him and he performs it on that basis, so the prayer of those behind him is valid. The evidence for this is what is established in the authentic hadith from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), in which he said regarding prayer behind sinful rulers: Other hadiths from him (peace and blessings be upon him) also point to this meaning. Some of the Companions prayed behind al-Hajjaj, who was one of the most sinful of people. Also, since congregation is required in prayer, a believer should strive to maintain it and preserve it, even if the imam is an open sinner. However, if he is able to pray behind a just imam, that is more preferable, better, and safer for his religion.