What should a person do if the first neighborhood imam is a memorizer of the Quran, recites with good intonation and a beautiful voice, and recites long surahs, but is accused of bid'ah (innovation) and denying authentic hadiths, while the second imam and others only memorize short surahs from the Mufassal, their voices are not good, and their prayers are not devout? With whom should he pray?

If the Imam is a Hafiz (memorizer of the Quran) and a master of Tajwid (rules of Quranic recitation), and the innovations attributed to him are not proven, then he has more right to lead the prayer, according to the Hadith (definition): "The one who is most knowledgeable of the Book of Allah should lead the people in prayer." However, if it is proven that he is an innovator and his innovation constitutes disbelief (kufr), then prayer behind him is not valid. If his innovation does not constitute disbelief, then he should be advised. The general rule is to avoid praying behind him if another person free from innovation can be found.