Disobedient Mu'adhin

Q 3: The Mu'adhin (caller to Prayer) in our Masjid (mosque) is old. He is about 75 years old. He smokes and shaves his beard. Is his making the Adhan (call to Prayer) valid and permissible or not? If it is not permissible, we hope your Eminence will inform the Ministry of Hajj, Endowment and Islamic Affairs about this. It should be noted that we advised him and talked to him many times and so did many other people in the same neighborhood, but he says: "Let us live, O people!" He also sells cigarettes in his shop that is adjacent to the Masjid. May Allah grant us success to do what pleases Him.

A: You have to refer to the people in charge of your Masjid (Part No. 5; Page No. 55) so that they may replace him; because he commits sins publicly, and we fear that other people will follow his example.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.