What should I do if I live in a village where the mosque does not have a regular imam, and the one who leads the prayers makes mistakes in Al-Fatihah and the movements of the prayer, and there is no nearby mosque, and I am unable to forbid this?
It is advisable to attend the aforementioned mosque and not miss it, and to be keen to step forward for the imamate if one is qualified for it. If someone else steps forward and makes a mistake in reciting Al-Fatiha that does not alter the meaning, or makes a mistake in other parts of the prayer, then his prayer and the prayers of the congregants are valid. However, if he makes a mistake in reciting Al-Fatiha that alters the meaning, then refer to Fatwa no. 87164 for a detailed explanation of the matter. The aforementioned imam's situation does not justify missing the congregational prayer. If it is possible to present someone who recites correctly, or to pray in another mosque, then do so. The important thing is not to abandon the nearby mosque and not to miss the congregational prayer.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/193510