Imamate of one who denies the Qur’an and hadith and of the disciple of a fasiq

Question

There is an imam who took the pledge (bay‘a) at the hand of a fasiq who does not pray and shaves his beard. Two scholars counselled him and told him that as long as the Shari‘a is not with one, the tariqa (spiritual path) cannot be attained — this is established from the Noble Qur’an and hadith. At that he became angry and said: “I do not accept the Noble Qur’an and hadith.” What is the ruling of the Shari‘a in this matter, and what should be done? He has now annulled the bay‘a. Is prayer behind him valid?

Answer

Since the imam said, “I do not accept the Noble Qur’an and the noble hadith,” he must by no means be made imam until he acknowledges his errors and makes repentance and istighfar (seeking forgiveness), renewal of faith (tajdid al-iman) and renewal of marriage (tajdid al-nikah). The tariqa cannot be attained by abandoning the Shari‘a.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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