What is the ruling on praying behind an Imam who intentionally mispronounces while reciting, even though he is capable of correct pronunciation, and is it better to pray alone at home or to continue praying behind him?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
If the Imam makes an error in reciting Al-Fatiha that does not alter the meaning, then your prayer behind him is valid. However, if the error changes the meaning (such as pronouncing the letter "ta" in "an'amta" with a kasra or damma instead of a fatha), then following him is invalid, and he must be replaced. If he is not replaced, then pray in your home, and you are not obliged to go to another mosque due to the long distance. An intentional error invalidates the prayer, even if it is not in Al-Fatiha.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/91921
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 91921
- 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