Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
I have a major problem of stuttering when I read my prayer. Over the years when I started to learn about the deen, I tried to do everything correctly, but I have ended up having a problem in reciting with proper tajweed, and other recitations in prayer. I end up stuttering or repeating myself on one line or words, or word and end up repeating it many times over until I have said it correctly, and I cant let go until I’m satisfied I have said it properly, this takes up quit a bit of time and prolongs prayer?
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
Relax, and realize that, “Allah does not make a soul responsible for more than it is able.” [Qur’an]
You do not have to recite with complete tajwid: pronounce the letters soundly, without forcing yourself beyond your ability. After this, do not repeat anything.
Your prayer is valid in the case mentioned.
When praying behind the imam, things are easier in the Hanafi school: the follower does not recite Qur’an (not even the Fatiha) behind the imam in any prayer (whether loud or quiet), though one does recite all the invocations of the prayer. Reciting behind the imam is, in fact, prohibitively disliked and highly improper in the Hanafi school.
(Search for recitation prayer’ at www.sunnipath.com)
Wassalam,