Salah behind an Imam who does not recite the Qur'an well

534

Q 3: I live in a village in Egypt. We have a big Masjid (mosque) in which there is an Imam appointed by the Ministry of Awqaf (Endowment). This Imam does not recite the Qur'an well. I recognize this because I graduated from Ma`had Al-Qira'at (Institute of Recitations [of the Qur'an]) affiliated to Al-Azhar. What is the ruling on performing Salah behind this Imam who leads people in Prayer while one of them recites the Qur'an better than him, memorizes it and applies the rules of recitation? Is it permissible for me to offer Salah individually in this case?

A: If the situation is as you have mentioned, then your Salah behind this Imam is valid and it is not permissible for you to perform Salah individually or to leave the congregational Salah for the reason you have mentioned. The legal ruling states that it is permissible for a person who is better in reciting the Qur'an to pray behind another person who does not recite the Qur'an well. Offering obligatory Salah in congregation is Wajib (obligatory).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.