Ruling on praying behind a Shi’i

 

Can we pray behind a Shia?

Praise be to
Allaah.

We need to describe the beliefs
(‘aqeedah) of the Shi’a so as to know the ruling on praying behind them. 

For details on their beliefs,
please see the answer to Question no. 4569. 

With regard to preying behind
one who is of this nature, Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on
him) said: 

“It is not permissible to
pray behind any of the mushrikeen, including those who seek the help
of anyone other than Allaah and seek support from him, because seeking
help through anyone other then Allaah, such as the dead, idols, the
jinn, etc. is shirk, the association of others with Allaah, glorified
be He.” 

Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn
Baaz (vol. 2, p. 396) 

And he said: one should not
pray behind any imaam who is known to exaggerate concerning the Ahl
al-Bayt (members of the Prophet’s household). If no such thing is known
about him or any other Muslim, then it is OK to pray behind them. 

Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn
Baaz, vol. 12, p. 107