Is the prayer led by an Indian who cannot pronounce some Arabic letters correctly permissible for Arabs, even if he has memorized more of the Qur'an than them?
The ruling on melodic errors (laḥn) in recitation is detailed in no. 42375. If the Imam has a melodic error that does not invalidate the prayer, and he is the most knowledgeable of the Book of Allah and the rulings of prayer, then he is the most deserving of leading the prayer, according to the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): "The people should be led in prayer by the one among them who is most skilled in reciting the Book of Allah." One should not consider the Imam's nationality, for the criterion for superiority is piety and righteous deeds, as Allah the Almighty says: "Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you."
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