Is it permissible for a woman to pray in congregation behind her husband, who prays regularly but occasionally drinks alcohol? And is she deprived of her legal rights if she refrains from them because she is distressed by his drinking? And what should she do to help him when he refuses to listen to her?
The imamate of a drunkard is not valid while he is intoxicated. However, regarding his imamate while sober, there is a difference of opinion: the majority validate it with a degree of dislike (karahah), while the Hanbalis do not validate it at all. It is preferable not to pray behind him unless doing so would lead to a greater harm, in which case the prayer is valid then. One should not abstain from fulfilling marital rights; rather, one must be patient, offer advice, and supplicate for him.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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