Can I Pray As A Salafi To Avoid Conflict?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

 

Question

Assalamu ‘alaykum.

I am from a Salafi family. I accepted Hanafi fiqh a few days ago because I really don’t like the Salafi ideology. My family doesn’t know about it. My Father is a strict Salafi and he criticises Hanafi fiqh. There is a Hanafi mosque in my area where my father and I pray in congregation. He frequently watches me to make sure that I am praying in the Salafi way. 

So can I pray like a Salafi while following Hanafi fiqh in this case?

Answer

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

Yes, it is valid for you to pray in the manner you currently do so to avoid conflict with your father. You should, however, learn the Hanafi method of praying properly as there are a number of rulings that one needs to know regarding purity and prayer in order to practice one’s religion in many conceivable situations.

You should, however, build up to praying as a Hanafi. Doing so is not an act of disobedience, and any criticism from your father is unjustified. Don’t get into any arguments with him, and don’t let it become something that causes a rift between the two of you. Arguing is not something Muslims should engage in.

If you’re an adult then you are capable of making your own decisions. This includes following a madhhab. You can make your own choices and live with them. 

Build up to it, but don’t make it a huge point of contention. Your prayers will be valid until then.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim

 

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital. He was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.