and others like them. Whoever rejects the doctrine of the Rāfidah yet does not attend Friday or congregational prayers, and even declares Muslims unbelievers, has fallen into a position like theirs. Among the gravest matters for which Ahl al-Sunnah censured them are their abandonment of Friday and congregational prayers and their declaring the majority of Muslims unbelievers.

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As for praying behind an innovator, this issue is subject to disagreement and requires distinctions. If no other imam is available—as when Friday prayer is held in only one location, or in the case of the two Eid prayers or the prayers during Hajj behind the imam of the pilgrimage—these prayers are to be performed behind any imam, righteous or sinful, by agreement of Ahl al-Sunnah wa-l-Jamāʿah. Only adherents of innovation, such as the Rāfidah and others who do not recognize Friday and congregational prayers, abandon such prayers behind the imams.

If there is only one mosque in the village, praying in congregation behind a sinful imam is better than praying alone at home, lest this lead to abandoning congregational prayer altogether. If, however, one can pray behind someone who is not an innovator, that is undoubtedly better and preferable. But if one does pray behind an innovator, the scholars disagree over the validity of the prayer. According to the schools of al-Shāfiʿī and Abū Hanīfah, the prayer is valid. As for Mālik and Ahmad, there is disagreement within their respective schools, with further distinctions.