Is it permissible to pray behind a Muslim imam who is not proficient in reciting the Qur’an or is not familiar with the rulings of prayer?

The answer can be summarized in three points:

First: The Imam's proficiency in recitation: - If the Imam makes a mistake in reciting Al-Fatiha that alters the meaning, such as reading (أنعمت - An'amta) with a kasra (ِ) or dhamma (ُ) on the taa (ت), his prayer is invalid, and he must correct his recitation. If he is unable to learn despite his efforts, then his prayer is valid for himself, but he should not lead anyone in prayer except someone similar to him or less proficient. If he leads someone more proficient than him, the prayer of those behind him is invalid according to the majority of scholars, but valid according to some scholars, which is the view chosen by Sheikh Ibn 'Uthaymeen. - If the Imam makes a mistake in Al-Fatiha that does not alter the meaning, or makes a mistake in something other than Al-Fatiha, his prayer is valid. However, it is disliked for someone more proficient than him to lead, due to the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "The people are led in prayer by the one among them who is most proficient in reciting the Book of Allah." And it is disliked for those behind him to put him forward.

Second: The most deserving of Imamate: The most deserving of Imamate, in order, are: the one most proficient in reciting the Book of Allah, then the one most knowledgeable of the Sunnah, then the one who emigrated earlier, then the one who embraced Islam earlier, then the eldest in age. If the most proficient reciter is ignorant of the fiqh of prayer, then the one who knows the fiqh of prayer is given precedence because he can complete the prayer without flaw. This precedence is for recommendation, not a condition. So, if someone less preferred is put forward, it is permissible.

Third: Neglecting prayer movements: - If the Imam rushes in a way that compromises tranquility (ṭuma'nīnah), then praying behind him is invalid because he has missed a pillar of prayer. - If the speed is relative and he maintains the obligatory amount of tranquility (which is stillness for the duration of the obligatory dhikr), then praying behind him is permissible. - Raising the hands for takbir is a sunnah and not obligatory.

Conclusion: It is legislated to give precedence to the one most proficient in reciting the Book of Allah, most knowledgeable of the rulings of prayer, and best in establishing it. If a dispute arises, a man of knowledge and wisdom should be consulted. The unity of hearts is obligatory, and preferring the best is recommended, so one should not abandon an obligation for the sake of a recommendation. If the Imam is not proficient in reciting Al-Fatiha, it is not permissible to put him forward as long as someone who is proficient is available.