What is the ruling on performing Friday Prayer behind an imam who smokes, prevents veiled girls from entering the institute, and rushes to remove their headscarves?
Whoever smokes while being persistent in it is considered a fasiq (transgressor), and prayer behind him is valid as long as he is committed to prayer. However, it is disliked to pray behind a fasiq, and praying behind someone else is preferable. If he expels veiled women and removes their hijabs, this is transgression and a denial of religion. Nevertheless, this does not prevent the validity of prayer behind him if he is diligent in his prayers. He must repent and seek forgiveness for these forbidden actions, and search for another job if he is compelled to do these things.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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