Question and Answer

or unacceptable. Acceptance depends entirely on each individual’s intention. The purpose of congregational prayer is only collectivity. Any imam behind whom this objective is achieved is valid. This is stated in the Hadith: “The obligatory prayer is required behind every Muslim, whether righteous or sinful, even if he has committed major sins” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith 594). 4. If someone raises the point that the Hadith mentions a sinful person or one who commits major sins, and does not mention a polytheist, then this too is another form of excess. Those who engage in such excess should remain silent rather than use provocative words that create discord within the ummah. 5. The authority to decide whose prayer is accepted and whose is not rests entirely with God. Those who issue judgments about acceptance exceed their limits, and exceeding limits is undoubtedly a grave sin. 6. Reciting the declaration of faith is only an announcement of entry into Islam. It does not mean that a person has become permanently immune from committing shirk. In this world of trial, anyone may fall into shirk. The task of a reformer is not to identify polytheists and pass judgment, but