What is the ruling regarding an Imam who refuses to pray in congregation at the mosque under the pretext of praying with his family, commits doctrinal errors, and insults the worshippers with mockery, such as his statement: "Raising the hands during prayer is non-existent, and he likened it to the method of shooing away flies," even though "the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to pray with raising [his hands] (narrated by Al-Bukhari 735 and Muslim 390)"; and is it permissible to pray behind him?

We have previously clarified the ruling on falling behind from praying in the mosque for the sake of praying with family. As for the doctrinal errors committed by the person, they must be explained to be judged, because some of them are disbelieving and others are not.

As for his mockery of those committed to the Sunnah, if he ridicules them for adhering to the Sunnah while knowing that what they are doing is Sunnah, then there is fear of his disbelief. If it is due to ignorance, then he must improve his conduct and learn the issue. It is advised to be gentle with him and clarify the evidence, such as raising the hands in prayer, for it has been authentically narrated from the Prophet, peace be upon him, that he did so in parts of the prayer, and it was narrated by a group of companions.

If he insists on his errors, then praying behind him is disliked, and he should be replaced if possible. Otherwise, one should pray behind him, and the congregational prayer and Friday prayer should not be abandoned because of this, as the Companions prayed behind unrighteous imams. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "They pray for you; if they are correct, it is for you, and if they err, it is for you and against them."