Reciting Al-Fatihah Behind the Imam: Correct Practice in Salah

Derived from: Fatawa ‘Ulama-e-Hadith, Kitab al-Salah, Volume 1

❖ Question​

What is the method of reciting Surah Al-Fatihah behind the Imam? In audible (Jahri) prayers, should Al-Fatihah be recited in the last two rak‘ahs? In the Zuhr and ‘Asr prayers, should a surah be added after Al-Fatihah (as per the narration of Jabir reported by Ibn Majah), or should only Al-Fatihah be recited? Please explain the complete method. May Allah reward you.

➊ Method of Reciting Al-Fatihah Behind the Imam​

When the Imam completes the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, the follower (muqtadi) should recite it before the Imam begins another surah, or during the pauses (saktah) of the Imam.

Hafiz Ibn Hajar رحمه الله states:
“When the Imam is reciting, remain silent; and when he pauses, recite Al-Fatihah.”

Shaykh Ibn Baz رحمه الله elaborates:
“The pauses of the Imam refer to brief silences between the verses of Surah Al-Fatihah or a pause after its completion. Even if the Imam does not pause, it remains obligatory for the follower to recite Al-Fatihah, even during the Imam’s recitation.”
(Fatawa Ibn Baz: 11/221)

➋ Obligation of Reciting Surah Al-Fatihah in Salah​

The recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah is an essential pillar of the prayer. Without it, the prayer is invalid — whether one is an Imam, a follower, or praying individually.

The Prophet ﷺ said:
"لَا صَلاةَ لِمَنْ لَمْ يَقْرَأْ بِفَاتِحَةِ الْكِتَابِ"
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 714)
"There is no prayer for the one who does not recite the Opening of the Book (Al-Fatihah)."

The Prophet ﷺ would recite Al-Fatihah in every rak‘ah, and the Companions transmitted this practice faithfully.

Hafiz Ibn Hajar رحمه الله states in Fath al-Bari:
"It is permissible for the follower to recite Surah Al-Fatihah in audible prayers without restriction."

Imam al-Bukhari, al-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Hibban reported the following narration:
From ‘Ubadah ibn al-Samit رضي الله عنه:
During the Fajr prayer, the Prophet ﷺ found the recitation burdensome. After the prayer, he said:
“It seems you were reciting behind your Imam?”
We replied: “Yes.”
He ﷺ said: “Do not do so except with Surah Al-Fatihah, for whoever does not recite Al-Fatihah, his prayer is invalid.”

The Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Ifta concluded:
"It is obligatory for the Imam, the follower, and the individual to recite Surah Al-Fatihah in both audible and silent prayers, as the authentic evidences support this view.”

The verse:
"When the Qur’an is recited, listen to it and remain silent so that mercy may be shown to you"
(Surah al-A‘raf: 204)
is general, and likewise, the Hadith:
“When he (the Imam) recites, remain silent,”
is also general. These are specified by the Hadith:
“Whoever does not recite Al-Fatihah, his prayer is invalid.”
And the Hadith:
“Whoever has an Imam, his Imam’s recitation is sufficient for him”
is weak.

Therefore, it is proven through sound evidence that whether a person is leading, following, or praying individually, he must recite Surah Al-Fatihah in every rak‘ah of every prayer. Without it, the prayer is not valid.

➌ Reciting Another Surah with Al-Fatihah in Zuhr and ‘Asr Prayers​

In the Zuhr and ‘Asr prayers, another surah should be added to Al-Fatihah in the first two rak‘ahs, while in the last two rak‘ahs, only Surah Al-Fatihah should be recited.