Offering Salah behind an Imam who makes amulets

Q: What is the ruling on offering Salah behind an Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) who makes amulets and another one who supplicates to the pious believing that they can bring benefit and ward off harm?

A: It is permissible to perform Salah behind the Imam who makes amulets containing Ayahs of the Qur'an, supplications, Allah's Names and Attributes, etc. (Part No. 6; Page No. 286) However, it is impermissible, according to the preponderant view, to write such amulets containing such things because of the general Hadith that prohibit wearing them. They are prohibited as a precautionary measure to block the means leading to Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) and because they may be desecrated when wearing them on entering the bathroom. Consequently, when a better Imam who does not write these amulets is available, you are recommended to offer Salah behind him. If this Imam writes the amulets containing things other than the Qur'an and Allah's Names and Attributes, it is impermissible to offer Salah behind him. Wearing these amulets containing unlawful things involves minor, or perhaps major Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) depending on the writer's intention based on the general Hadith in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, (Unlawful) Ruqyahs, charms and love-potions are (acts of) Shirk. (Related by Imam Ahmad in Al-Musnad and by Abu Dawud in the Sunan.) The Prophet (peace be upon him) also stated, If someone ties an amulet, Allah will not accomplish his affairs for him and if someone ties a cowrie shell, Allah will not protect him. Another narration reads, Whoever wears an amulet commits an act of Shirk. This Imam should be advised about the ruling on his act which goes against monotheism. Perhaps he may repent to Allah (Glorified be He).As for the Imam who calls on the pious instead of Allah, thinking that they mediate between people and Allah bringing benefits and removing harm, it is impermissible to offer Salah behind him and any Salah performed behind him is null and void. This is even more so when such a person supplicates, slaughters animals or makes vows for the sake of the pious. (Part No. 6; Page No. 287) Beseeching anyone other than Allah thinking that they can bring benefit or ward off harm is a form of major Shirk. This form of seeking help is an act of worship that is not permissible to offer to anyone other than Allah. Such Imam, while in this state, should not lead people in Salah.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.