Is it permissible to pray behind an imam who raises his hands to recite Al-Fatihah after the prayer, frequently repeats the Qur’an (Al-Hizb al-Ratib) even though most of the reciters are not proficient in its rules or memorization, hurries in prayer and does not recite with tartil, and often makes mistakes in reciting the Qur’an?

Old age is not a barrier to imamate unless it leads to incapacitation. However, it is disliked for someone to lead the prayer if the majority of the congregation dislikes him for a blameworthy reason according to Islamic law.

The Imam should be gently reminded that reciting Al-Fatiha collectively after the prayer is not legislated and is an innovation (bid'ah). Similarly, reciting the Hizb collectively is also an innovation. Only the adhkar (remembrances) mentioned in the Sunnah should be adhered to.

Rushing in prayer, not reciting in a measured tone (tartil), and lack of knowledge do not affect the validity of the prayer, as long as the rushing does not lead to a disruption of its pillars and obligatory acts, or if the recitation is correct and does not alter the meaning.

It is not a condition for the Imam to be a scholar, although prioritizing the most knowledgeable in fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) is preferable.