Q 1: I offer Salah (Prayer) at home with my family, because the Imam (leader of congregational Prayer) in the Masjid (mosque) recites the Qur'an incorrectly in a way that distorts the meaning. I memorize the Qur'an and its rules, and I do not commit the same sins he does, although Allah is the Only One Who can verify this. Nevertheless, his people insist on him being the Imam. Perhaps this is out of fanaticism, or dislike for me as I am from a different tribe, or because I criticize what they do wrong. I am an Imam in another village, but I cannot always attend Salah with my congregation. Is it permissible for me to offer Salah behind this Imam? Can I file a complaint against these people?

A: Offering the Five Obligatory Daily Prayers in congregation is Wajib (obligatory), unless there is an excuse, such as illness. Thus, you must offer Salah in congregation, whether at the nearby Masjid, or at the Masjid where you are an Imam. The latter is best, as you have two duties there, performing your job as an Imam and offering Salah in congregation. If it causes you difficulty, you should leave the position of Imam to another person who can fulfill the required duties, and offer Salah in the nearby Masjid, provided that the Imam there does not recite the Qur'an in a way that changes the meaning. However, if he does, you must advise him and if he does not accept the advice and insists on assuming his position while distorting the meaning of the Qur'an, he should be reported to the officials in the Ministry of Endowments so that they will judge the case. (Part No. 7; Page No. 350) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.