Q 3: What is the ruling on those who refute some of the Sahih (authentic) Hadith related in the Two Sahih Books of Hadith (Al-Bukhari and Muslim), such as the Hadith about the punishment and bliss in the grave, the Mi`raj (Ascension to Heaven), Sihr (sorcery), Shafa`ah (intercession), and getting out of the Fire? What is the ruling on performing Salah (Prayer) behind them and exchanging greetings with them or is it better to disassociate from them?

A: The scholars of Hadith should discuss the Riwayah (the study of the text of a Hadith and how to apply it) and Dirayah (the study of the principles set to verify whether a Hadith is acceptable or not in terms of text and chain of narrators) of these Hadith with them to explain their authenticity and meanings. If they insist on refuting them after this, or distorting the texts away from their true meanings, according to their own desires and false opinions, they are to be considered as Fasiqs (those openly and flagrantly violating Islamic law). In this case, they should be isolated and not associated with to avoid their evil, except for those who contact them to advise (Part No. 2; Page No. 56) and guide them. As for performing Salah behind them, the ruling on this is that it is the same as performing it behind a Fasiq, but to be on the safe side, it is better not to perform Salah behind them, because some scholars consider them to be Kafirs (disbelievers).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.