This applies only to innovations known to contradict the Quran and Sunnah, such as those of the Rāfidah, the Jahmiyyah, and others like them. As for religious questions over which many people in these lands dispute, such as “the question of letters and sound” and similar matters, both disputants may be innovators, each ignorant and relying on an interpretation. One is therefore no more justified in refusing to pray behind the other than the reverse. But when the Sunnah has become clear and known, yet someone contravenes it, that is the case concerning which there is disagreement. Allah knows best. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds. May Allah bless Muhammad, his family, and his Companions, and grant them peace.

He was asked:

A man who leads the prayer is widely reported to consume hashish. Someone said, “It is not permissible to pray behind him.” Another man objected, saying, “It is permissible,” and cited the words of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace):

“It is permissible to pray behind both the righteous and the sinful.”

Is the man who objected correct or mistaken? Is someone who consumes hashish permitted to lead people in prayer? If the man who objected is correct, what must the person who challenged him do? May the administrator of the place dismiss the imam or not?

He answered:

It is not permissible to appoint someone who consumes hashish or commits prohibited, reprehensible acts to lead people in prayer when someone better than him can be appointed.