An Imam Joining the Meals of Innovators with the Intention of Reform

Question

A certain person — who is also an ‘alim and well acquainted with what is permissible and impermissible — serves as imam in a certain place. His muqtadis (those who pray behind him) mostly belong to an innovating sect and perform everything: the customary third-day and fortieth-day memorial rites and so on. Instead of forbidding them and admonishing them, this ‘alim himself, with a smiling face, takes part in all their innovated rituals and also eats the food of these invitations and the like.

Answer

(1) Taking part in impermissible customs and bid‘as is mudahana (sinful compromise) and is forbidden: [ar]فَلَا تَقْعُدْ بَعْدَ ٱلذِّكْرَىٰ مَعَ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ[/ar] “…then do not sit, after the reminder, with the wrongdoing people” (Surah al-An‘am, 6:68). Through this, those bid‘as gain currency, whereas reforming them is obligatory. (2)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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