Is It Permissible to Pray Individually in an Ahmadi Place of Worship Without Following Their Imam?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Is it permissible to pray individually in an Ahmadi place of worship, without following their imam, if it is a clean and convenient place for prayer?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
The General Principle of Prayer Locations
While the entire earth has been made a place of worship for believers, and prayers offered individually in a clean place are valid, it is crucial to consider the environment and its implications. The Quran states, “And the mosques are for Allah (Alone), so invoke not anyone along with Allah” [Quran, 72:18].
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “The earth has been made a place of prostration and a means of purification for me” [Bukhari and Muslim]. Thus, prayer is permissible in any clean location, but this permissibility is nuanced by the associations and context of the chosen place.
Consideration of Beliefs and Environment
Allah (Most High) says, “Do not ˹O Prophet˺ ever pray in it. Certainly, a mosque founded on righteousness from the first day is more worthy of your prayers. In it are men who love to be purified. And Allah loves those who purify themselves.” [Quran, 9:108].
This verse refers to an incident during the time of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) when some hypocrites built a mosque (Masjid Dirar) with ulterior motives. Despite being a physically clean space, it was forbidden for the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) to pray there due to its association with harmful intentions and beliefs.
Similarly, Ahmadi places of worship are associated with beliefs and practices considered by mainstream Islamic scholars to fall outside the fold of Islam. Praying in such a place could cause confusion, imply endorsement, or create unnecessary fitna (conflict).
Avoiding Fitna and Preserving Faith
The Quran instructs believers: “Help one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sin and transgression” [Quran, 5:2].
If a clean and convenient location for prayer is unavailable, it may be permissible to pray individually in an Ahmadi place of worship as a necessity. However, this should be done without engaging with their practices, congregation, or imam. It is always preferable to seek alternative places for prayer to preserve one’s faith and avoid misunderstandings.
Conclusion
While it is technically permissible to pray in a clean location, including an Ahmadi place of worship, in extreme necessity, it is strongly recommended to avoid such places if viable alternatives exist. This approach ensures the preservation of Islamic identity and avoids confusion or misrepresentation of beliefs.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
