What is the ruling on praying behind an imam who elongates the word "samia" (سمع) to say "samiee Allahu liman hamidah" (سميع الله لمن حمده), or elongates "hamidah" (حمده) to say "samia Allahu liman hamideeh" (سمع الله لمن حميده)? And is one who elongates the letter "kaf" (ك) in "Maliki yawm al-din" (مالك يوم الدين) to make it "Malikee yawm al-din" (مالكي يوم الدين) committing a clear grammatical error (lahn jali)?
Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Prayer is valid behind an Imam who adds a "yaa'" after the "kaaf" in "Maaliki Yawm al-Deen," because this addition is considered a minor grammatical error (laḥn khafeef) that does not invalidate the prayer or change the meaning. The Imam is advised to avoid this error if it has occurred.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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