Salah behind a Fasiq

Q: The Khatib (preacher) and Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) of our Masjid (mosque) shaves his beard; should we perform Salah (Prayer) behind him? We appreciate your advice, and may Allah reward you.

A: Shaving the beard is Haram (prohibited) according to the Hadith related by Ahmad, Al-Bukhari, and Muslim, on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: (Part No. 7; Page No. 370)  “Do the opposite of the Mushriks (those who associate others with Allah in His Divinity or worship); keep the beards and cut the moustaches short." Also, according to the Hadith related by Ahmad and Muslim on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Trim the moustache and let the beard grow; do the opposite of the Magians.” Insisting on shaving the beard is a major sin. It is obligatory on you to advise and warn those who shave their beards, especially if they occupy a leading position in the Din (religion). Based on this, if the man who shaves his beard is an Imam of a Masjid (mosque) and does not accept the advice, it is obligatory that he should be dismissed, if this is possible and it does not create Fitnah (turbulence). Otherwise it is obligatory on those who can to offer Salah behind another Imam who is righteous. This will serve as a rebuke to the first Imam and an expression of denunciation. Again this should be done if it will not result in Fitnah. If it is not possible to pray behind someone else, then it is prescribed to pray behind this man to achieve the benefit of offering Salah in congregation. If there is fear that praying behind someone other than him will provoke Fitnah, then the people should pray behind him so as to ward off Fitnah and choose the lesser of two evils.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.