Is it permissible for Sunni Muslims to pray behind Shi'a Muslims?
The question of whether Sunni Muslims can pray behind Shia Muslims brings different perspectives from both traditions.
According to Sunni scholarship, Sunan Abu Dawud narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: There will be rulers over you after me who will delay the prayer. It will be obligatory upon you and upon them. So pray with them whatever prayer they pray towards the qibla.
Sunan Abu Dawud 2:44 This indicates that Sunni Muslims are permitted to pray behind those who lead prayers, even if they belong to another sect, as long as they are praying towards the qibla.
On the other hand, Shia scholarship offers a slightly different view. In Al-Kafi, it is narrated that when asked about praying behind a servant, it was stated: "No problem if he is a jurisprudent and there is no one more knowledgeable than him there." Additionally, the narration includes that the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) said: None of you should pray behind a leper, albino, insane, one with limited mental capacity, child of fornication, or Bedouin.
Al-Kafi 4:472 This suggests that while there are specific conditions regarding who can lead prayers, it may be permissible to pray behind a Shia Imam if certain criteria are met.
For a ruling that applies to your specific situation, consult a qualified local scholar.
Sources
-
Sunan Abu Dawud 2:44
Sunan Abu Dawud · Book 2, Hadith 44 · Narrated by Qubaisa ibn Waqas
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "There will be rulers over you after me who will delay the prayer. It will be obligatory upon you and upon them. So pray with them whatever prayer they pray towards the qibla."
-
Al-Kafi 4:472
Al-Kafi · Book 4, Hadith 472
The Qa'im has two periods of occultation; during one of them he observes the seasons and sees the people, but they do not see him. — OR — I said to him, 'Is praying behind a servant acceptable?' He said, 'No problem if he is a jurisprudent and there is no one more knowledgeable than him there.' I said, 'Is it allowed to pray behind a blind man?' He said, 'Yes, if he has someone to correct him and is the best among them.' He added, 'And the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) said: None of you should pray behind a leper, albino, insane, one with limited mental capacity, child of fornication, or Bedouin. The emigrants should not be led by these.'
Answers are generated and checked automatically; they may still be incomplete or imperfect. For religious rulings, consult a qualified scholar.
Ask your own question →