Does the prayer of the one being led become invalid if the Imam is not proficient in reciting Surat Al-Fatiha?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
If the Imam commits a melodic error (laḥn) in the Fatiha that changes its meaning, then:
If he is capable of learning, his prayer is invalid, and the prayer of anyone who follows him is also invalid.
If he is unable to learn or if time is short, his prayer is valid for himself, and the prayer of those who follow him and are similarly unable (to learn) is valid. The prayer of the remaining followers is invalid.
Whoever among the congregants repeats their prayer is correct.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/89447
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 89447
- 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