Offering Salah behind an Imam who makes Lahn in recitation

Q 2: I was once late for the ‘Isha’ (Night) Prayer, and I arrived after the ‘Iqamah (call to start the Prayer), even though I am the Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) of the Masjid (mosque). I found that the Imam who led the people cannot recite Al-Fatihah, and the Qur’an in general, properly, so I did not offer Salah (Prayer) behind him. Another time, I offered Salah behind an Imam who cannot recite the Qur’an properly, so I was going to interrupt the Salah and continue it on my own. What is the ruling on both cases? Please advise.


A: If the Imam whom you offered Salah behind committed Lahn (incorrect recitation due to mispronunciation of letters or grammatical mistakes) when reciting Al-Fatihah in a way that distorts the meaning, such as changing the diacritical marks of the words, by pronouncing, for example, the letter "ك" (Kaf) in the word ( إياك ) with the sound Kasrah (vowel point that sounds like "i") or the letter "ت" (Ta) in ( أنعمت عليهم ) with the sound Dammah (vowel point that sounds like "u") or Kasrah, it is impermissible for him to be an Imam, unless the Ma’mums (people being led by an Imam in Prayer) pronounce the same way as him, and only those like him may offer Salah behind him. Even if the Lahn he committed does not change the meaning, he should not be made the Imam if there is someone who can recite better than him, but the Salah offered led by him counts as sufficient in this case. (Part No. 6; Page No. 283) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


Tags: