Holding a Second Congregation Because the Imam Is a Barelvi

Question

Among us there are people of two creeds (Deobandi and Barelvi). The Barelvis are ignorant people; they have taken possession of the mosque and lead the prayer, and they regard the Deobandi scholars as kafirs and look on them with contempt. Moreover, the Deobandi scholars avoid joining the congregation because of disputes and clashes. In this situation we, a few common people, are left deprived of the congregation, although Deobandi scholars are also present.

Answer

Despite this harshness of the Barelvi people, you should not adopt the method whereby they pray there in congregation while you sit, and then after them you hold a second congregation behind your own imam — this method is not right. Either pray behind their imam or pray in another mosque.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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