Question:
Respected Mufti Sahib,
Assalamualaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu,
I have got couple of questions?
1.Is it necessary to follow one particular Taqleed?
2.Is it permissible to offer prayer behind a Ghair Muqallid imam?
Could you please explain it?
Wassalaam
Answer:
1. Allah says, “Therefore, ask the people of the Book, if you do not know.” (Surah An-Nahal verse 43. It is therefore compulsory for the individual who is not an expert and is not well acquainted with regards to the Qur’an, the Sunnahs of Nabi Muhammad (SAW), the Athar of Sahabah and Taabi’een and the principles of the Fuqahaa to make Taqleed of an Imam. If he fails to do so, then together with difficulties, he will also go astray and he will follow Deen according to his desires.
2. One should avoid performing Salaat behind a Ghair Muqallid Imam. If however, there is a risk of missing the congregation, then there is no harm to perform Salaah behind such an Imam, on condition that he does not call any Imam a Kaafir or a Faasiq, he is not an extremist and he performs Salaah contrary to the Ahnaaf with the intention that according to him, in the light of Ahaadith, that is more correct.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
22 June 2005
15 Jumaadul Oola 1426