What is the meaning of the statement: "I am not comfortable with the Imam," and is it permissible to pray behind an Imam with whom one is not comfortable? Is the prayer of the congregants valid despite disputes and skirmishes, and what should they do?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The fact that a congregant does not feel comfortable with the Imam or does not like to pray behind him does not invalidate the validity of following him. Disagreements and skirmishes do not invalidate the prayer or the congregation. However, animosity and estrangement are a cause for the removal of mercy and goodness. Muslims were deprived of the blessings of Laylat al-Qadr because of two men quarreling. The duty is to reconcile between disputing parties.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/138972
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 138972
- 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