What is the ruling on one who prayed behind a disbeliever out of ignorance that it is impermissible to pray behind him, and is his prayer invalid or valid?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The imamate of a disbeliever is not valid. Therefore, whoever prays behind him, their prayer is invalid and must be repeated according to the majority of scholars, even if the worshipper was unaware of his disbelief. However, some scholars hold that repetition is not required for one who prayed behind him while ignorant of his disbelief. Nevertheless, prayer behind a disbeliever is never valid under any circumstances, and whoever prays behind him must repeat their prayer.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/140093
Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 140093
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy