the imam. Thus, if the mosque’s imam rushes the prayer so much that a person is unable to perform its obligatory acts, he is excused from attending the congregation in that mosque. However, if there is another mosque in which the congregational prayer is held, he must attend the congregation in the second mosque.

Question: If the imam is openly sinful by shaving his beard, smoking, or letting his garment hang below his ankles, is this an excuse for missing the congregational prayer?

Answer: If we hold that prayer behind him is invalid, as is the position of the madhhab (1), then it is an excuse. But if we hold that prayer behind him is valid—and this is the correct view—then this is not an excuse, because prayer behind him is valid and you are commanded to attend the congregation.

Question: If a person is a criminal and fears that, should he go out, the police will arrest him, is this an excuse?

Answer: It is not an excuse, because it is a right due from him. But if he is being wronged, then it is an excuse.

Question: If there are wrongful acts on his way to the mosque, such as women displaying their adornment, drinking wine, smoking, and the like, is this an excuse?

Answer: It is not an excuse. He should go out and forbid the wrong as much as he is able. If the people desist, then it is to the benefit of both him and them; but if they do not desist, then it is to his benefit and against them.

Question: If these excuses arise during the prayer—for example, if, during