Khateeb making a mistake in the khutbah

Q: The Khateeb in our district Masjid in the Arabic sermon - khutbah, he reads it as "fakheemil ithm" instead of "ism". A scholar says that this is totally incorrect as Naoozoobillah you are saying that Allah Ta'ala commits great sins. The Khwateeb was asked to correct it, but doesn't do it. He continues to recite in this manner.

1. Is it true that the meaning actually changes and it can lead to kufr?

2. Should the Khateeb be allowed to continue giving the khutbah if he fails to correct this mistake?

A:

1. Yes, if he does it deliberately and knows that it is wrong.

2. He should be replaced.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)