If the Imam is a well-versed man,

Q 2: A man memorizes Qur'an and recites it frequently. He also keeps up offering Salah (Prayer) in the Masjid (mosque) congregationally. He frequently leads people in Salah when the regular Imam (leader of congregational Prayer) is absent. However, he takes snuff, and smokes cigarettes and narghile. The people see there is no harm in this. However, I hate snuff, cigarettes and narghile. Is it permissible for me not to offer Salah behind him?

A: Congregational Salah is a Wajib (obligatory). You should not quit it, but you should advise that man so that he might quit the abominable deeds he does. If he does not accept advice, you can cooperate with the other people who offer Salah there to prevent him from being an Imam. If all this cannot be achieved, you can offer Salah in another Masjid whose Imam does not perform such deeds, provided that (Part No. 7; Page No. 378) there is no harm in this.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.