Is merely hearing statements about the erroneous beliefs of some worshippers, which indicate their knowledge of the unseen and their ability to benefit or harm, sufficient to prove these beliefs, or must one hear them directly from them? What is the ruling on praying behind such individuals? Is it permissible to pray behind them with the intention of repeating the prayer, or can a second congregation be formed within the first congregation?

If the three brothers are upright and precise [in their religious practice], then their testimony is accepted. The beliefs mentioned by the questioner are corrupt and lead to major shirk (polytheism). It is not permissible for those who hold such beliefs to lead the prayer, and prayer behind them is invalid. Whoever claims to know the unseen is a disbeliever. If someone prays behind a disbelieving imam without knowing, and then later discovers his disbelief, there is a difference of opinion among jurists regarding the necessity of repeating the prayer. What the questioner attributed to Imam Ahmad and Ibn Qudamah concerning the permissibility of praying behind them, even with dislike or the need for repetition, is incorrect. Prayer behind people of innovation and desires is invalid according to the Hanbalis in one narration, and valid with dislike according to the Hanafis and Shafi'is. It is obligatory to repeat the prayer according to the Malikis, unless the worshiper fears those people of innovation, in which case he prays and repeats. What the questioner mentioned about a second congregational prayer within the first congregation, or praying behind them with the intention of repeating, is invalid, except in cases of necessity or fear. In a situation of choice, one who is valid to lead the prayer must be put forward, or one should pray in another mosque.