Prayer: Is It Valid to Pray Behind an Imam With Pronunciation Issues, and May I Quietly Recite Myself?

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Prayer: Is It Valid to Pray Behind an Imam With Pronunciation Issues, and May I Quietly Recite Myself?

English:

Question #586:

Some Imams are unable to pronounce some letters properly. Is it, therefore, correct for a person who can pronounce the letters properly to perform prayer behind them? Some people say that it is possible to recite one’s prayers in congregation. But it is necessary to repeat this prayer individually. However, I do not have the time to repeat these prayers. What is my duty in this situation? Do I have the permission to recite the Fātiḥah and the other chapter quietly while participating in the prayer?

Answer #586:

If the follower maintains that the Imam is not pronouncing properly, then to perform prayer behind him would not be valid and would cause the congregational prayer to be void for him. If the person does not have the ability to repeat the prayer, then there is no problem in not joining the prayer. To read quietly in a prayer which should be recited loudly in order to give the impression that one is joining the congregational prayer is not correct and does not fulfill one’s obligation.

-Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Importance and Conditions of Prayer