Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Question
Assalamu ‘alaykum.
I am from a Salafi family. I accepted Hanafi fiqh a few days ago because I really don’t like the Salafi ideology. My family doesn’t know about it. My Father is a strict Salafi and he criticises Hanafi fiqh. There is a Hanafi mosque in my area where my father and I pray in congregation. He frequently watches me to make sure that I am praying in the Salafi way.
So can I pray like a Salafi while following Hanafi fiqh in this case?
Answer
Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.
I pray you are well.
Yes, it is valid for you to pray in the manner you currently do so to avoid conflict with your father. You should, however, learn the Hanafi method of praying properly as there are a number of rulings that one needs to know regarding purity and prayer in order to practice one’s religion in many conceivable situations.
You should, however, build up to praying as a Hanafi. Doing so is not an act of disobedience, and any criticism from your father is unjustified. Don’t get into any arguments with him, and don’t let it become something that causes a rift between the two of you. Arguing is not something Muslims should engage in.
If you’re an adult then you are capable of making your own decisions. This includes following a madhhab. You can make your own choices and live with them.
Build up to it, but don’t make it a huge point of contention. Your prayers will be valid until then.
May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani