Refutation of Denying the Obligation of Surah Al-Fatihah: A Scholarly Response to a Misguided View

✍ Written by: Qari Usama bin Abdul Salam

Introduction​

This is a scholarly, reformative, and research-based rebuttal to a misleading claim.


A woman has claimed:


“Reciting Surah Al-Fatihah in Salah is not obligatory, because the Hadith that proves it is Khabar al-Wahid (a single-chain narration). We will not add to the absolute command of the Qur’an: فَاقْرَءُوا مَا تَيَسَّرَ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ on the basis of narration.”


This stance is invalid, corrupted in understanding, and close to innovation. It is an attempt to misguide the simple-minded public, especially women. The refutation is presented from several aspects:

➊ Contradicting Qur’an and Sunnah is the Worst Ignorance​

This woman tries to create the impression that Hadith contradicts the Qur’an. Whereas:

• The Qur’an and authentic Hadith can never be contradictory.
• Hadith explains, clarifies, and applies the Qur’an — not opposes it.

➋ Rejecting Authentic Hadith by Labeling it "Khabar al-Wahid" is an Innovation​

Whoever rejects an authentic Hadith that specifies a general Qur’anic command, by calling it Khabar al-Wahid, holds the mindset of Batiniyyah, Hadith-deniers, or Mu‘tazilah.


The consensus of the Ummah, including the Four Imams (Abu Hanifah, Malik, Shafi‘i, Ahmad), is that authentic Khabar al-Wahid is a binding proof, especially when it is:


◈ From a sound chain of transmission
◈ Narrated by well-known Companions
◈ Supported by the practice of Companions and Tabi‘in

➌ Misguiding People with Personal Opinion Against Authentic Narrations​

Rejecting a Hadith narrated by Imam al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim, upon which the Ummah has acted, by calling it Khabar al-Wahid is nothing but:

• The same fitnah of “I understand the Qur’an better”, first started by deviant sects.

➍ Companions and Imams Declared Salah Invalid Without Surah Al-Fatihah​

The narration of ‘Ubadah ibn al-Samit (RA):


"لا تُجْزِئُ صلاةٌ لا يُقْرَأُ فيها بفاتحةِ الكتابِ"
(Sunan Ibn Majah: 838)


Imam al-Shafi‘i (رحمه الله) said:


“If a person does not recite Surah Al-Fatihah in every Rak‘ah, his prayer is invalid.”


Thus, this woman is calling the public towards rebellion against the consensus of Companions, scholars, and Muhaddithin — a clear act of misguidance.

➎ Restricting the General Qur’anic Command with Authentic Hadith is the Sunnah​

This principle is accepted by all scholars of Usul:


“العام يُخص بالخبر الواحد الصحيح.”
A general command is restricted by an authentic Khabar al-Wahid.


Hence, saying “we will not add to the Qur’an” is in reality denial of Sunnah, which can lead to kufr.

➏ Deceiving Simple-Minded Women​

Although she claims to be knowledgeable, she lacks:


◈ Knowledge of Hadith sciences
◈ Knowledge of Tafsir principles
◈ Knowledge of Usul al-Fiqh
◈ The methodology of the Companions and Salaf


By misinterpreting Qur’an and Sunnah, she is misleading women — an act that falls into distortion of religion whether knowingly or unknowingly.

➐ Advice and Warning​

O Muslim Sisters!
Do not follow such so-called “Qur’anic stances” that oppose the Sunnah of Rasulullah ﷺ.


Islam is not just Qur’an — rather it is Qur’an + Sunnah + Understanding of the Companions.

• "أطيعوا الله وأطيعوا الرسول…"
• "وما آتاكم الرسول فخذوه…"
• "ومن يعصِ الله ورسوله فقد ضلّ ضلالًا مبينًا…"

🏷 Conclusion​

This woman, through false interpretation, is trying to shake the foundation of Sunnah. Muslims must:


◈ Stay cautious of her mischief.
◈ Remain attached to the scholars of truth and Ahl al-Sunnah.
◈ Understand Deen not only through Qur’an but through Qur’an + Sunnah + Ijma‘.