What is the ruling on an imam who wants to dismiss a muezzin from his job on the accusation that he was permanently imprisoned, and is it permissible to pray behind him?
If the Imam's falsehood in falsely accusing the Muezzin is proven, it is not permissible to pray behind him until he repents, because Allah says: (O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with the truthful), and His saying: (Indeed, Allah does not guide one who is a transgressor and a liar), and His saying: (And whoever earns a sin or an offense and then blames it on an innocent person has certainly carried a slander and a manifest sin). It is obligatory to support the Muezzin, defend him, and demand the punishment of the slanderous Imam.
However, if the Imam was truthful in his accusation, there is no sin upon him, and prayer behind him is valid, although it is more appropriate for him to conceal the matter and offer advice. If he despairs of his repentance, he should refer him to the judiciary for discipline and removal from performing the Adhan, because the Muezzin is required to be just and trustworthy.
There is no life imprisonment in Islamic law.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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