Is it permissible to pray behind an imam who recites the Qur’an without observing the rules of Tajweed, mispronounces letters, and spoke during the prayer to rectify an忘记 prostration of forgetfulness after being alerted by one of the congregants?
It is obligatory to pay attention to reciting the Noble Quran. Prayer is not valid behind someone who changes a letter for a letter in Al-Fatihah or makes an error that alters the meaning, unless they are unable to learn; in that case, they should only lead someone similar to them in prayer. However, if the error that alters the meaning is in a part other than Al-Fatihah, their prayer and the prayer of those behind them are valid. Speaking during prayer invalidates it if done intentionally; if done out of forgetfulness or ignorance and it is minor, it does not harm. Attempting to compensate for a prostration with the prostration of forgetfulness without actually performing the prostration invalidates the prayer, because prostration is a pillar that cannot be compensated for by the prostration of forgetfulness. If an Imam who is proficient in the rulings of prayer and Quranic recitation is found, then he is preferred. Otherwise, there is no objection to praying behind the aforementioned Imam if he does not distort letters and does not make an error that alters the meaning. In the event of an error that invalidates the prayer, he must be advised and guided with gentleness and wisdom.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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