Does the hadith narrated in Sahih Muslim, "There will be rulers after me who delay the prayer from its appointed time, so pray the prayer at its appointed time, then make your prayer with them a supererogatory [prayer]," refer to Muslim rulers, or disbelieving rulers, or only mosque imams? And does this hadith apply to our contemporary reality where Friday prayer is delayed in some countries? And is it permissible to pray behind imams appointed by governments who promote democracy and secularism instead of the teachings of Islam? And is it necessary to know the political orientation of the imam before praying behind him?

First: The Hadith that mentions leaders delaying the prayer beyond its time is one of the signs of prophethood, as it occurred exactly as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, foretold. Scholars differed regarding the delay of these leaders: whether it was a delay beyond the optional time or a delay completely outside its prescribed time. The leaders referred to in this Hadith are Muslim rulers such as Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf and Al-Walid ibn 'Uqbah. This delay is considered an act of transgression (fisq), but it does not prevent praying behind them with the intention of it being a supererogatory (nafila) prayer, because refraining from praying behind them would incite discord (fitna).

Second: The time for Jumu'ah (Friday) prayer is the same as the Dhuhr prayer time according to the majority of scholars. It is permissible to delay it for a need or benefit, such as for people's work, provided it is completed before the entry of the 'Asr prayer time.

Third: Praying behind someone who advocates for democracy and secularism: If he advocates for setting aside Sharia and separating religion from life, then one should not pray behind him. However, if he advocates for elections and the use of ballot boxes, then one should not refrain from praying behind him. The general principle is to pray behind anyone whose outward appearance is that of a Muslim, without investigating his inner state.