He—may Allah Most High have mercy on him—was also asked:

“An imam who leads Muslims in prayer turned a woman against her husband until she separated from him, and he began meeting with her in seclusion. May prayer be performed behind him? What is the ruling concerning him?”

He replied:

It is reported in al-Musnad that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“He is not one of us who turns a woman against her husband or a slave against his masters.”

A man’s efforts to separate a woman from her husband are among the grave sins. This is the work of sorcerers and among the most heinous deeds of devils, especially if he turns her against her husband so that he himself may marry her, while persisting in meeting with her in seclusion—and especially if the circumstances indicate something beyond that.

Such a man should not be appointed to lead Muslims in prayer unless he repents. If he repents, Allah will accept his repentance. If it is possible to pray behind an upright man of sound conduct, one should pray behind him. Prayer should not be performed behind someone whose wickedness is manifest unless there is a need. And Allah knows best.