Clarification Reply:
Assalamu Alaikum Janab Moulana Sahib, I could not understand the following things from the reply you sent.
1. What is meant by Bid’ath e Rasomath (innovation in practices and traditions)?
2. What is meant by Mushrikana Aqidat ke Hamil (Bearing Concept of Idol-worshipping)?
Please reply in detail since the matter is related to Namaz.
الجواب حامدا و مصلیا
If the Barelvis are only perpetrating Innovations (Bid’aath) and Traditions(Rusoomaath) and do not possess any concepts of Shirk, it is preferable to perform Namaz following them rather than performing Namaz alone. Therefore it is necessary to the questioner to follow this Imam without praying alone.
Bid’aath and Rusoomaath means to perpetrate such activities which are not proved by Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam and his Companions and it is done realizing it to be Deen and also with the hope of getting reward (Sawab); such as celebrating Meelad, reciting Salath o Salam before giving Azan, kissing the thumb etc.etc.,
Concepts of Shirk means to attribute the essence and qualities of Allah Tha’ala to any Saintly elder or a prophet etc even though implicitly and indirectly as in the case of believing in Rasoolullah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam as always omnipresent and, omniscient on each and every part of incidents that have occurred, occurs and will occur till the doomsday; visiting tombs and bowing/prostrating with respect; believing in Saints and Elders after their death as Datha (BENEFACTOR) and Dasthageer (GUIDE) like Allah Tha’ala; Making vows on their names etc.etc.,