Is it permissible to pray behind an imam whose family is of Jewish descent, knowing that his family is not religiously observant and he has recently attributed an unauthentic hadith to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, in order to avoid praying behind another imam with whom he disagreed?

The brother is advised to reconcile with the Shaykh, even if he has been wronged, because Allah has prepared Paradise for those who control their anger and forgive people, as mentioned in the verses and hadiths that encourage forgiveness and pardon. The dispute does not affect the validity of praying behind the Shaykh. He should reconcile with his good community and communicate with them. Otherwise, he should pray with them and avoid praying behind this blameworthy man. He must be careful not to pray alone, as congregational prayer is obligatory. If he has to choose between praying alone or praying with the other Imam, he should pray with him if the rumors are untrue. Praying behind a fasiq (transgressor) is better than praying alone.