What is the ruling on praying behind an Imam who wears an amulet whose contents are unknown, especially given that those who know the Imam describe him as truthful and learned?

Scholars agree on the prohibition of wearing amulets if they are not from the Qur’an or authentic supplications (du‘a’s). However, if they are from the Qur’an or authentic supplications, scholars have differed, and the opinion of prohibition is more likely due to the generality of the hadiths and as a way of blocking the means (to evil).

If the amulet is one about which scholars have differed regarding its permissibility, such as if it is from the Qur’an or authentic supplications, then there is no harm in praying behind the imam. However, if it contains talismans and polytheistic incantations, then one should not pray behind him, and it should be clarified that this is shirk (polytheism).

If the true nature of the amulets worn by the imam is unknown, he should be asked gently. If they are among those about which there is a difference of opinion, the matter is simple. If they are polytheistic, he should be advised. If he refuses, then one should not pray behind him. If it is not possible to ask him and his outward state appears sound, then the default is to assume that. If his state is otherwise and it cannot be rectified except with a greater harm, then whoever knows this may refrain from praying behind him and pray behind someone else, but one should not abandon congregational prayer entirely, because wearing amulets is not among the types of shirk that expel one from the fold of Islam.

It is valid to pray behind an imam whose state is not openly known, and knowing his beliefs is not a prerequisite. As for praying behind an imam who seeks healing through sorcery and amulets: sorcery is forbidden, and if the amulets are from the Qur’an, there is a difference of opinion regarding them, and if they are polytheistic, they are impermissible. However, the matter does not reach the point of refraining from praying behind the imam unless his innovation reaches the level of disbelief.