Is it permissible to pray behind an Imam who exaggerates in prostration (sujud) to the extent that his stomach almost touches the ground, knowing that a Mufti has stated that his prayer is valid as long as he prostrates on seven limbs? And what is the ruling on praying behind an Imam whose beard is almost shaven and whose izar (lower garment) hangs below his ankles?

The sunnah prostration (sujud) is performed on the seven limbs (the forehead along with the nose, the two hands, the two knees, and the two feet), with the forehead and nose firmly on the ground, the fingers of the hands spread and together pointing towards the Qiblah, the knees separated, the belly raised from the thighs, the thighs raised from the shins, the forearms kept away from the sides, and the tips of the toes pointing towards the Qiblah. This posture ensures the independence of each limb, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did.

The posture described by the questioner for the Imam, where he stretches out in prostration until his belly almost touches the ground, is a reprehensible posture and contrary to the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and his saying: "Be moderate in prostration." This resembles the prohibited sprawling. It is obligatory to advise this Imam regarding his deviation from the Sunnah, without causing discord.

If the Imam does not cease this deviation, or if it is not possible to advise him, it is preferable to change the Imam to one who adheres to the Sunnah. If that is not possible, and there is another mosque where the Sunnah is established, then praying there is better, even if its Imam commits some deviations like letting his garment hang low or shaving his beard; because the sin is upon him alone, and the Sunnah he establishes benefits everyone, and praying behind him is valid.