Is the Imam's recitation of "Al-Mustaqeem" (المستقيم) with a Kasra on the first letter Meem in Surat Al-Fatihah considered a لحن (mistake in recitation) that invalidates the prayer?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Breaking the "Meem" in the word "al-Mustaqeem" is an obvious melodic error (Lahn Jali) that does not alter the meaning. Therefore, the prayer is not invalidated if the worshiper intentionally makes this error. However, it is disliked to pray behind someone who makes this melodic error. If the melodic error does not change the meaning, such as raising the "Ha" in "al-Hamdu Lillahi," then leading the prayer by such a person is a disliked (Makrooh Tanzeehi) act, and their prayer and the prayer of those following them are valid.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/89251
Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 89251
- 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