The imamate of one who recites “مُسْتَخِيم” instead of “مُسْتَقِيم”

Question

A certain imam recites “مُسْتَخِيم” instead of “مُسْتَقِيم”. Is it permissible to pray behind him or not? (2) He says that there is no difference between ق (qaf) and خ (kha). (3) And he also teaches children to recite “mustakhim”. What is the ruling on making him imam?

Answer

The imam's deliberately reciting “mustakhim” instead of “mustaqim” is wrong and impermissible. (2) ق and خ are two separate letters: each has its own makhraj (point of articulation), and there is also a marked difference in their sifat (attributes). For example, ق is majhura (voiced) while خ is mahmusa (voiceless); ق has qalqala, خ does not; ق is shadida (plosive)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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