The listener also says that she heard one of them say that a person with a speech impediment is not valid as an imam for people, meaning that prayer behind him is not valid because he has a defect. Is this...
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The questioner : The listener also says that she heard one of them say that a person with a speech impediment is not valid as an imam for people, meaning that prayer behind him is not valid because he has a defect. Is this correct or not? May Allah guide you.
The Shaykh : This is correct according to some scholars who hold that if the speech impediment involves substituting one letter for another, such as replacing the letter "ra" with "ghayn" or "lam," or something similar, then some scholars consider his imamate invalid because he is in the position of an illiterate person whose imamate is not valid except for someone like him. Others hold that his imamate is valid because whoever’s prayer is valid, his imamate is valid, and because he has done what is obligatory upon him, which is to fear Allah the Exalted as much as he is able. And Allah the Exalted said:[At-Taghabun 64:16].
And if one who is unable to stand prays with those who are able to stand, then this is like him, because each of them is unable to complete the pillar.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : This is regarding standing, and this is regarding recitation. This opinion is the correct one: that the imamate of a person with a speech impediment is valid, even if he substitutes one letter for another, as long as this is his ability. However, with this, it is recommended to choose a person without a defect to lead the congregation, as a precaution and to avoid the disagreement.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Yes.
The Shaykh : This is correct according to some scholars who hold that if the speech impediment involves substituting one letter for another, such as replacing the letter "ra" with "ghayn" or "lam," or something similar, then some scholars consider his imamate invalid because he is in the position of an illiterate person whose imamate is not valid except for someone like him. Others hold that his imamate is valid because whoever’s prayer is valid, his imamate is valid, and because he has done what is obligatory upon him, which is to fear Allah the Exalted as much as he is able. And Allah the Exalted said:
So fear Allah as much as you are able
فاتقوا الله ما استطعتمAnd if one who is unable to stand prays with those who are able to stand, then this is like him, because each of them is unable to complete the pillar.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : This is regarding standing, and this is regarding recitation. This opinion is the correct one: that the imamate of a person with a speech impediment is valid, even if he substitutes one letter for another, as long as this is his ability. However, with this, it is recommended to choose a person without a defect to lead the congregation, as a precaution and to avoid the disagreement.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : Yes.