Looking upon the imam with contempt

Question

The followers constantly look upon the regular imam with contempt and start arguing over the slightest matter, although they are not acquainted with a single mas’ala; they issue fatwas of their own, and in coming to the mosque they have no aim except mischief and strife. What is the ruling on such a follower: is his prayer valid or not? And if it is valid, of what degree is it?

Answer

The prayer does not become fasid (invalid) through any of these things; however, looking upon the imam with contempt, giving fatwas of one’s own without knowledge, and coming to the mosque to cause mischief and strife is a major sin (kabira); such a person must repent.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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