What is the ruling on one who intentionally makes errors in pronunciation during a sermon and admonition, such as saying "kurun" instead of "Qur'an," or "ruku" instead of "ruku," or "hadith" instead of "hadith," or "ibadat" instead of "ibadat"?
It is strange for a preacher to intentionally make mistakes in his sermon. If he changes some words due to a speech impediment, he is not sinful. He should strive to benefit Muslims and endeavor to correct mistakes, doing what he can, as Allah Almighty says: "So fear Allah as much as you are able." This indicates that every duty a servant is unable to perform is waived, and if he is able to perform part of a command but unable to perform another part, he should perform what he is able to and what he is unable to perform is waived, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "When I command you to do something, do of it as much as you are able." A linguistic error (lahn) in the Friday sermon does not invalidate it. As for prayer, it is not permissible to follow someone who makes a mistake in Al-Fatiha that alters its meaning, except for someone who is similarly unable. If he pronounces words concisely or approximates their meaning, there is no harm in it, provided that it does not involve altering the words of the Noble Quran or the honorable Hadith.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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