‏اَلسّلامُ عَليْكُم وَرَحمَةُ اَللهِ وَبَرَكاتُه Sheikh, I prayed behind a person in the masjid who usually leads second jama'ah. After few days, I found out he usually drinks alcohol. I have prayed behind him without knowing that he drinks. Is my prayer valid? جَزَاكَ ٱللَّٰهُ خَيْرًا

Imam Ibn Bāz said: > The correct view held by the scholars who thoroughly investigated the matter is that the prayer behind a sinner is valid, just as his own prayer is valid—whether the sinner is a smoker, a drinker, a usurer, undutiful to his parents, one who lets his garment drag (isbal), or otherwise. However, the believer should choose a righteous imam if he has the option of multiple mosques. He should pray behind the righteous imam, for prayer behind him is more complete and more perfect.