Assalaamu ‘Alaykum. I have difficulty pronouncing ص, and the other day I was speaking to the imam at the masjid that I frequently go to to pray and we recognized that I might have issues because one of my bottom front teeth sticks outward, and this is near the makhraj I think. If this is truly the case, will I be excused for mistakes with ص?

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

If this is your case and you cannot pronounce the letter Sad (ص) from its proper articulation point, you are pardoned. Accordingly, your prayers are valid and you are not liable for anything.

An-Nawawi said in Al-Majmoo': “If he mispronounces some letters from their points of articulation, pronouncing the Ta’ (ت) in the word Nasta‘een (نستعين) as Dal (د) or mispronouncing the letter Sad (ص) as Seen (س) or close to it, and he cannot learn the proper pronunciation, his prayer is valid.”

We would like to warn you against the satanic whisperings regarding the articulation points and characteristics of the Arabic letters for it is one of Satan’s gateways to the hearts.

Allah knows best.