DETESTING AN IMAAM

It is not a good sign when a Musalli detests an Imaam. This is unless the Imaam has a certain shortcoming which is valid and founded according to the Shari’ah. Otherwise, detesting an Imaam without a valid reason is an act that does not please Allah.

In the commentary of a Hadith of Abu Dawud, narrated by Hazrat 'Abdullah bin Amr (Radiyallahu Anhu), 'Allaamah Al-Khattaabi (Rahmatullahi 'alayh) of the 4th century said: "This warning seems to apply to an Imaam who is not qualified for Imaamat. As for a person who is competent for Imaamat, then it is those who detest him who are to be blamed and not the Imaam in question."

[English version of "Détesté ene imaam" – Al Jamiat – Vol.1 No.1]