Imamate of an Imam Who Lacks Respect

Question

What is [the ruling on] an imam who has no standing (waqar) in the congregation? And what is the ruling if he does not accept the rulings even after they have been explained to him?

Answer

If he is observant of the Shari‘a and follows the Sunna, then all is well, and those who do not respect him are in the wrong; it is necessary for them to reform themselves. And if the imam is not observant, then it is incumbent on him to reform himself. Refusing to accept correct rulings is obstinacy.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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