I am resident of Deoband but from last 20 years I am living Ludhiana (Punjab). My problem is that in my area new masjid has been built and jamah salah is prayed by Barailavi imam. Can I offer salah behind Barailavi imam? Is it not a major problem? Muslims are in small number in this area.
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(Fatwa: 980/980/M=1434)
If the Barailavi imam has shirkiya beliefs then it is not correct to offer salah behind him. And if he does not have shirkiya belief then salah shall be valid behind him, but such a person should not be made imam permanently. The imam should be one who has correct beliefs and who practices sunnah completely.
Allah knows Best!
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband