Congregation at Home Because of the Imam’s Wrongdoings

Question

If most of the worshippers of the neighbourhood are opposed to the imam, do not pray behind him and, because of discord (fitna), do not go to the mosque but hold the congregation in some house — will their prayer count as prayed in congregation or not?

Answer

Their prayer too will be valid, but they will not receive the reward of the mosque. As far as possible, the disagreement should be brought to an end, and the mosque should be kept filled with worshippers with patience and calm. It should be respectfully put to the imam that he rectify these matters and abandon the wrong way.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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