An imam cut his beard partially. After few days, he has done taubah and also apologized to the jamat after one namaz for the sin he has committed. He also stopped leading the namaz for about 40 days. Now his beard is longer than before. Is the namaz praying behind him a valid one? Can we allow him to continue as an imam for a masjid?
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(Fatwa: 1528/1312/L=01/1440)
If imam sahib has repented and his beard has grown one fist or longer as well as the management is satisfied with his taubah then the said person may be appointed on the post of imam again and salah will be valid behind such person.
Allah knows Best!
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband