Imamate of One Who Forbids Religious Sermons but Allows Political Speeches

Question

An imam who betrays the community; who does not allow religious sermons and the remembrance of Allah and the Messenger in the mosque, and who is irked by religious sermons and gatherings; who allows people who do not observe the Shari‘a to hold political gatherings and helps them in every way; who is extremely arrogant and haughty and bullies the poor and the weak — are these doings of his right? And what is the ruling on praying behind him?

Answer

This matter is so clear that everyone knows it; there is no need to ask about it. It is incomprehensible how any Muslim, and especially an imam, could commit such things — not allowing religious sermons and the remembrance of Allah and the Messenger, and being irked by them. And Allah knows best.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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