| Ruling on offering Salah behind a Mubtadi` and a Musbil  Q: Is it permissible to offer Salah (Prayer) behind a Mubtadi` (one who introduces innovations in religion) and A Musbil (one who lengthens and trails his clothing below his ankles)? A: According to the soundest of the two opinions of scholars, Salah behind a Mubtadi` and a Musbil is valid. However, if the Bid`ah (innovation in Islam) renders the person a non-Muslim such as Al-Jahmiyyah (a deviant Islamic sect denying some Attributes of Allah, claiming they are human qualities and cannot be ascribed to Allah) and others whose Bid`ah takes them out of Islam, Salah behind them is invalid. The Muslim rulers should choose the Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) from among those who are free of Bid`ah and Fisq (flagrant violation of Islamic law) and are of good reputation. Leading people in Salah is a great matter and the Imam is an example for Muslims to follow. It is not permissible to appoint a Mubtadi` or a Fasiq (someone flagrantly violating Islamic law) as Imam while there are others who are better than him. | | (Part No. 12; Page No. 119) | |
Isbal (lengthening and trailing clothing below the ankles) is one of the sins which should be abandoned and avoided. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:  The part of an Izar (garment worn below the waist) which hangs below the ankles is in the Fire. (Related by Al-Bukhari in his Sahih) Long shirts, trousers, Bisht (a traditional cloak made of wool worn by men), and the like take the same ruling of Izar. It was authentically reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: There are three to whom Allah will neither speak on the Day of Resurrection, look at, nor purify (of their sins), and they will be tormented severely: One who trails his Izar, one who boasts of kindness shown to another, and one who promotes their business by false oaths. (Related by Muslim in his Sahih) If a person lengthens and trails his Izar out of pride, he is committing a grievous sin and will receive his punishment in this worldly life. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: On the Day of Resurrection, Allah will not look at whoever trails his Izar out of conceit.It is obligatory upon all Muslims to beware of the things which Allah has prohibited such as Isbal as well as the other sins. Muslims should also beware of all acts of Bid`ah, for the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Whoever performs an action which is not in accordance with this affair of ours (Islam) | | (Part No. 12; Page No. 120) | |
will have it rejected. (Related by Muslim in his Sahih) The Prophet (peace be upon him) also stated: The best speech is that embodied in the Book of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance given by Muhammad. The most evil affairs are their innovations; and every innovation is misguidance. (Related by Muslim) May Allah grant all Muslims safety from Bid`ah and sins, He is the best to be sought for help. |
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