Is it permissible to pray behind a mosque imam who does not recite well and prolongs the prayer?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The Imam should lighten his prayer in consideration of the people's circumstances. This is supported by the Prophet's saying to Mu'adh: "Are you a trial, O Mu'adh?"
The questioner should advise the Imam with wisdom and gentleness regarding lightening the prayer. If he does not respond, there is no objection to praying behind another Imam. A good voice is not a condition for leading the prayer, though it is preferable to prioritize someone with a good voice if they are equal to others in memorization and proficiency.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/51191
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 51191
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy