Removing the imam because one person is displeased

Question

Can the imam of a mosque be removed from the imamate, without any apparent reason, because one or two people do not pray [behind him], when that person does not even state the reason for his opposition? Moreover, the imam is a scholar (‘alim) and from time to time informs the community of necessary rulings (masa’il) and gives sermons and advice; the state of the inner self is known to Allah. The respected imam also adheres to the Shari‘a in his appearance, dress and the like.

Answer

If, without a Shar‘i reason, someone does not pray behind an imam who follows the Sunna, is of sound creed and recites correctly, because of a natural dislike and displeasure, then such an imam cannot be removed on that account; rather, the muqtadi should be made to understand, and if he does not accept, there is no need to fight with him.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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