Should a Follower Complete Surah al-Fatihah if the Imam Goes into Rukoo?

❖ Completing Surah al-Fātiḥah When the Imam Enters Rukūʿ

(Source: Fatāwā Arkān al-Islām)

Question:

If the Imam goes into Rukūʿ before the follower completes Surah al-Fātiḥah, what should the follower do?

Explanation:

If a follower joins the congregation when the Imam is about to go into Rukūʿ and completing Surah al-Fātiḥah is not possible, there are two scenarios:

① First Scenario:

• Only one or two verses of Surah al-Fātiḥah remain.
• The follower can complete these verses and still join the Imam in Rukūʿ.
• Ruling: It is better to complete the remaining verses and then join the Imam in Rukūʿ.

② Second Scenario:

• A large portion of Surah al-Fātiḥah remains.
• Completing it would mean missing the Imam’s Rukūʿ.
• Ruling: The follower should leave the recitation incomplete and go into Rukūʿ with the Imam.

ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب