The Imamate of an Innovator (Mubtadi‘)

Question

In a small princely state there is only one mosque in which prayer is held. The imamate of the mosque [is held by] the deputy of the city qadi (who, besides belonging to the Shafi‘i madhhab, is a supporter of the rites of Muharram al-Haram and also lacks proper mastery of the Arabic sciences) — [a deputy] who is a Hanafi and a government employee. He comes and leads the prayer only at maghrib, occasionally at ‘isha as well, and always the Friday prayer.

Answer

Several matters in the question require consideration. First: the imam follows the Shafi‘i madhhab. Concerning this the jurists say: if it is known of an imam of the Shafi‘i madhhab that he takes into account [the requirements of] the follower’s madhhab, then following him is valid; if it is known that he does not, then following him is not valid; and if nothing is known…

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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