Pronouncing the letter ض like ظ or pronouncing it from an incorrect Makhraj

Firstly, the Makhraj of the letterض and ظ are different; therefore, one should not be pronounced in place of the other or from any other Makhraj. However, the validity of Salah depends on the ability of pronouncing and whether a major change occurs in the meaning. Therefore, if one is able to pronounce it correctly and deliberately pronounces it incorrectly; it will render his Salah invalid, if there is major change in the meaning. And if one is unable to pronounce it correctly or cannot differentiate between the two Makhaarij (plural of Makhraj) and thinks that he is reciting it correctly, his Salah will remain intact. In other words, a layman’s Salah (i.e. one who is unaware of Makharij and Sifaat) will be valid unconditionally. And the one has knowledge of Makharij and Sifaat, this will render his Salah invalid, if he intentionally pronounces it incorrectly. However, if it is pronounced mistakenly or one cannot differentiate between the two Makhraj, then his Salah will be valid in this case.

Note: The aforesaid ruling is with regard to the validity of Salah. This does not prove that one can carelessly keep on reciting it incorrectly and this will not render him sinful; instead, one should strive to correct one’s recitation within his capability; otherwise, he will be sinful.