Should we pray in the nearby mosque whose imam is not proficient in the rules of recitation, or in the distant mosque whose imam is proficient in the rules of recitation and where a large congregation prays?

If the imam of the nearby mosque commits an obvious error (laḥn jalī) that distorts the meaning and he is unable to correct it, his imamate is only valid for those who are similar to him [in their inability to recite correctly]. As for someone who recites well, their prayer behind him is not valid.

However, if his error is subtle (laḥn khafī) and does not change the meaning, then there is no harm in praying behind him. It is preferable for a Muslim to pray in the more distant mosque which has a larger congregation, based on the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "Indeed, a man’s prayer with another man is purer than his prayer alone, and his prayer with two men is purer than his prayer with one man. And the more numerous [the congregation] the more beloved it is to Allah the Almighty," and based on his (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "Indeed, the greatest of people in reward for prayer are those who walk the farthest to it, then those who walk the next farthest."

Therefore, praying in the mosque that is seven minutes away is more preferable than the nearby mosque that is two minutes away.