Question Summary:
Is it permissible for the Muqtadees (followers) to pray behind a Fāsiq (transgressor) Imām?

Question Detail:

Sometimes when the Imām is not available at the Masjid, people often assign a person who trims his beard less than the required amount to lead the Salāt. In that situation, will the Salāt of the Muqtadees (followers) be valid? What are the consequences? Can I leave the Jamāt in pretext of my Wudū being broken and not offer the Salāt with Jamāt in this situation?

Answer :

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
If the appointed Imām who adheres to the Sunnah is not available, then such a person who adheres to the Sunnah should be appointed. If by any chance a Fāsiq (transgressor) person has been appointed as an Imām, the Salāh of the Muqtadees (followers) will still be valid. However,  it is Makrooh (disliked) to appoint such a person as an Imām.[1] The issue should be discussed with the administration of the Masjid to appoint a suitable Imām in the absence of the official Imām.
It is not permissible for you to leave the Salāt in pretext of your Wudū being broken. You must offer the Salāt behind the Imām, regardless whether he is a Fāsiq or not to prevent causing any source of Fitnā inside the Masjid.[2]
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mawlana Abdul Hannan Nizami,
Student Darul Iftaa
USA
 
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
www.daruliftaa.net