Ruling on praying behind an Imam who adheres to Bid`ah and follows Al-Tijaniyyah
Q: Scholars have expressed conflicting views on offering Salah while being led by imams who adhere to Bid`ah (rejected innovations in religion) or who follow Tariqahs (Sufi orders), especially the followers of Al-Tijaniyyah order. Perusing the treatise composed by Sheikh `Abdul-Rahman Ibn Yusuf Al-Ifriqy (may Allah show mercy to him), who was later the chairman of Darul-Hadith in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah entitled "Al-Anwarul-Rahmaniyyah fi Hidayat Al-Firqah Al-Tijaniyyah", I came to know that the followers of this order, may Allah guide them to the right path, hold false beliefs. I also learnt that they are closer to Shirk and error than to faith, belief in the Qur'an and following the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Consequently, is it permissible to offer Salah while being led by an Imam who is a follower of Al-Tijaniyyah order? If your answer is in the negative, is a Muslim permitted to perform Salah with his family at home when all the imams of the Masjids (mosques) in his town adhere to Bid`ah? Furthermore, (Part No. 2; Page No. 343) is it permissible to offer a second congregational Salah in the same Masjid after the one that is led by the Imam who adheres to Bid`ah and the followers of Al-Tijaniyyah order finishes? My concern is that this might lead to confusion and disunity among the Muslims.
A: Al-Tijaniyyah Order is one of the most disbelieving and erroneous sects. Moreover, they are one of the most straying sects who innovate in religion things for which Allah (Exalted be He) has given no permission. Therefore, it is impermissible to offer Salah while being led by an Imam who follows this order. Furthermore, a Muslim has to seek an Imam who does not follow Al-Tijaniyyah or any other order that adheres to Bid`ah whose acts of worship and deeds are not characterized by following the example of Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (peace be upon him). However, if there are no imams except those who adhere to Bid`ah, a Muslim is to perform his own congregational Salah in any Masjid whenever one feels safe from trials and from being harmed by such people. If he lives in a country where the people who adhere to Bid`ah are dominant, he should offer congregational Salah with his family or at any place where he feels safe and he has to emigrate, if at all possible, to a place where the Sunnah is established and where Bid'ahs are confronted.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.
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