Is prayer valid behind one whose Islam is merely suspected?
Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The prayer of the follower is valid if the Imam's status (immorality or innovation) is unknown, based on the ruling from Ahmad, as the default presumption for Muslims is integrity. Even if one prays behind someone whose Islam is doubted, the prayer is valid because it is assumed that only a Muslim would step forward to lead the prayer.