Is it permissible to pray behind an imam whom the congregants dislike due to his bad manners and lack of knowledge, when there is someone more deserving of leading the prayer? And is it better to pray individually or to go to another mosque?

If people dislike the Imam due to his lack of religiosity, ignorance, and injustice, then he must be removed and a more suitable person appointed. Al-Tirmidhi narrated that the prayer of an Imam whom people dislike does not go beyond their ears. If the dislike is due to a matter concerning the Imam's religion, such as lying, injustice, ignorance, or innovation, then an Imam whom they love and who is more righteous in his religion should be appointed over them.

If it is not possible to remove the Imam, the congregants should move to another mosque. If that is not possible, their prayer behind him is valid, and they should be patient and strive to reform him. They are not permitted to pray individually or in their homes, because congregational prayer in the mosque is obligatory, and the Companions prayed behind unjust Imams.

If it is not possible to prevent an innovative or immoral Imam except by incurring greater harm, then one should pray behind him so as not to miss the Friday prayer and congregational prayer.