Source: Fatawa Muhammadiyyah, Vol. 1, Page 421
Questions
- What is the Shari’ah ruling regarding a person who recites the Qur’an incorrectly?
- Can a knowledgeable person pray behind an ignorant and unqualified Imam?
- What is the Islamic ruling on an Imam who does not observe proper ʾiʿrāb (vowel marks) and pronunciation in Qur’anic recitation?
✦ 1. Ruling on One Who Recites the Qur’an Incorrectly
If a person intentionally recites the Qur’an incorrectly, then such a person is:
◈ A major sinner (فاسق),
◈ Deserving of punishment,
◈ And according to some narrations, the Qur’an curses such a person for committing verbal distortion (تحريف لفظي) — which is akin to disbelief (كفر).
Such a person must repent sincerely.
However, if the error is not intentional and stems from a legitimate difficulty (e.g., stammering, speech impediment), then the person is considered excused, but still:
◈ He must strive to improve his recitation as much as possible.
◈ If he continues to make effort, he will be rewarded doubly, as mentioned in Hadith.
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ... قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «مَا أَذِنَ اللَّهُ لِشَيْءٍ مَا أَذِنَ لِلنَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَتَغَنَّى بِالْقُرْآنِ» ...
Meaning:Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Allah has not listened to anything as attentively as He listens to a Prophet reciting the Qur’an in a pleasant tone."
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Vol. 2, Pg. 751)
🗣 Three Scholarly Explanations of "يتغنى بالقرآن" (Beautifying Recitation)
① To consider the Qur’an sufficient, avoiding reliance on other scriptures or philosophies.
② One who praises the Qur’an as a great blessing, yet seeks favor from worldly people, is not truly a believer.
③ A person who does not beautify the recitation of the Qur’an is sinful.
✔ Hence, it is obligatory to recite the Qur’an with correct pronunciation and as much accuracy as one can manage.
Statements from Scholars
Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (رحمه الله) states:
“As for beautifying the voice and preferring it — there is no disagreement among scholars regarding its desirability.”
(Fatḥ al-Bārī, Vol. 9, Pg. 64)
He further writes:
"There is consensus among scholars that beautifying the voice in recitation is mustahabb (recommended), as long as it does not exceed the limits of proper recitation.
If it exceeds such that a letter is added or omitted, then it becomes Ḥarām.”
(Fatḥ al-Bārī, Vol. 9, Pg. 63)
✦ 2. Ruling on Praying Behind an Ignorant Imam
◈ If a knowledgeable person prays behind an ignorant Imam, the prayer is valid.
◈ However, it is not permissible to appoint an ignorant person as Imam when a qualified scholar is available.
✔ The Imam must be proficient in Qur’anic recitation and possess Islamic knowledge.
عَن ابْنِ أَبِي مَسْعُودٍ عُقْبَةَ بْنِ عَمْرٍو، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ:
"يَؤُمُّ الْقَوْمَ أَقْرَؤُهُمْ لِكِتَابِ اللَّهِ..."
(Muslim, Ahmad)
Meaning:The Prophet ﷺ said: "The one who leads the people in prayer should be the one most proficient in the Book of Allah."
Clarification by Imam Shawkani (رحمه الله) – Nayl al-Awtar
➤ Some scholars interpret “aqra’uhum” as:
- The one with better recitation, even if he memorizes less.
➤ Others say it refers to:
- The one who has memorized more of the Qur’an.
✔ Supporting narration from Tabarani al-Kabir, Bukhari, Abu Dawood, and al-Nasa’i:
‘Amr ibn Salamah narrated:
"When my father returned from the Prophet ﷺ, he said that the Prophet instructed:
‘The one among you who knows the most Qur’an should lead the prayer.’
So they appointed me as their Imam."
✦ 3. Ruling on an Imam Who Neglects Iʿrāb (Vowelization, Madd, etc.)
◈ Such a person is considered grossly negligent and disobedient, as the Prophet ﷺ was careful about correct harakāt (vowels), shadd (doubling), and madd (elongation).
قَالَ قَتَادَةُ: سَأَلْتُ أَنَسَ بْنَ مَالِكٍ عَنْ قِرَاءَةِ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ، فَقَالَ: كَانَ يَمُدُّ مَدًّا
(Bukhari, Vol. 1, Pg. 754)
Meaning:Qatadah (رحمه الله) said: “I asked Anas (رضي الله عنه) about the recitation of the Prophet ﷺ.”
He replied: “He would elongate where necessary.”
✔ This proves that observing ʾiʿrāb and Tajweed is necessary, as neglect can distort meanings.
What Should Be Done with Such an Imam?
◈ The Imam who consistently neglects proper recitation should step down himself.
◈ If he refuses, the community must remove him from Imamat.
◈ However, if removal would cause Fitnah, then tolerating his leadership is excusable under necessity.
Conclusion Summary
➊ Intentionally incorrect recitation is a major sin and must be avoided.
❖ Repentance is necessary; continuous effort earns double reward.
➋ Praying behind an ignorant Imam is valid in principle,
❖ But appointing such an Imam over a scholar is impermissible.
➌ Neglecting vowelization and proper recitation is a serious fault,
❖ The Imam should be replaced if he persists in this negligence, unless Fitnah is feared.
ھذا ما عندي واللہ أعلم بالصواب
