Question : A question was asked regarding whether or not it is permitted to pray behind an Imam who has shaved his beard.

Fatwa in Brief: Shaving one’s beard off is illegal according to Islamic law. Continuing to shave it is a serious sin [i.e. from the kaba’ir]. The one who shaves his beard should be avoided. As a sign of one’s disapproval it is forbidden to pray behind him.

The Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Ifta’ 5/139

Response:

Shaving the beard is not a serious sin [from among the kaba’ir]. Indeed, the injunction to grow one’s beard provokes disagreement among the legal scholars. An act that is legally prohibited must be agreed upon by all scholars. The Imam who shaves his beard not be avoided; and it is permitted (ja’iza) to pray behind him.

Commentary:

Al-Bukhari narrated that ‘Abd Allah ibn ‘Umar would pray behind al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf al-Thaqafi, and ‘Abd Allah ibn Mas‘ud prayed behind al-Walid ibn ‘Uqba ibn Abu Ma‘it who used to drink alcohol. Once upon a time, he (al-Walid) led the Morning Prayer, and [instead of two] he included four raq‘at. [As a punishment] he was struck by ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan. The Companions also used to pray behind Ibn ‘Ubayd, who was accused of atheism (ilhad) and of calling the people into error. So [if these people could lead prayers] anyone who knows how to pray may lead others in prayer.[1]

There is no doubt that it is more advantageous to pray behind a righteous person [rather than behind someone who is corrupt]. Yet, even if the behavior of an officially recognised prayer leader [i.e. it is his job] is suspect, there is no legal problem in praying behind him; though it is also obligatory to advise him [to mend his ways]. [In this respect] Ibn Majah and Ibn Haban include the following narration: “There are three whose prayers will not be accepted: those of an unpopular Imam; a woman who allows her husband to wake up [the morning after an argument] and still to be angry with her; and two brothers when they are fighting”.

Although praying behind a corrupt person (fasiq) is disliked (makruh), it is not unlawful. In addition to what is mentioned above, this is supported by a hadith included by al-Bayhaqi: “Pray behind the trustworthy and the corrupt, and perform jihad with the trustworthy and the corrupt”.

Shaving the beard is not a grave sin. Rather, it is among those [many] matters upon which the scholars have not reached agreement, as to whether it is obligatory, or merely recommended. According to the basics of Islamic law, a matter upon which the scholars disagree may not be generally prohibited to Muslims. Rather, only when a matter is universally prohibited does this prohibition hold. The Imam who shaves his beard should not be avoided; praying behind him is permitted. And God Almighty knows best.

Among the Fatawa of Shaykh ‘Abdullah ibn Hamid:

The majority of the People of Knowledge agree that praying behind a corrupt individual (fasiq) is valid; and that the prayers of one who does do not need to be repeated. For the Prophet (upon him be peace) said: “Pray behind a person who states that there is no God, but God”, narrated by Abu Na‘im (320/1) and al-Dar Qutni (56/2).[2]

And God knows best.

Dr. Ahmad ‘Id