Author: Hafiz Zubair Ali Zai
Respected Zubair Ali Zai Sahib, what is the ruling on responding to certain Quranic verses during Salah, as mentioned in Hadiths? Is it correct, and should the response be given by all the followers or only by the Imam? If followers respond, should it be done loudly or silently? (An Inquirer)
Answer:
It is established in Sahih Muslim that during the night prayer, when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would recite a verse of glorification, he would glorify Allah; when he would recite a verse of supplication, he would supplicate; and when he would recite a verse seeking refuge, he would seek refuge in Allah.
(Hadith 772)
Imam Ibn Abi Shaybah has narrated with a sound chain that:Abu Musa Ashari (may Allah be pleased with him) led the Friday prayer. When he recited the verse "سَبِّحِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ الْأَعْلَى" he said: "سبحان ربي الأعلى" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High).
[Al-Musannaf by Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/508]
A similar practice is reported from Imran bin Husain and Abdullah bin Zubair (may Allah be pleased with them) and others.
[Ibid]
Therefore, it is permissible for the Imam, during Friday prayers or other prayers, to occasionally respond to a verse in Arabic, whether aloud or silently. However, I have not found any evidence that the followers should also respond to the verses. Therefore, the worshippers should only recite Surah Al-Fatiha behind the Imam during the audible prayers.
Allah knows best.
(Shahadat February 2000) (20 February 2007)
Response to Quranic Verses During Salah
Question:Respected Zubair Ali Zai Sahib, what is the ruling on responding to certain Quranic verses during Salah, as mentioned in Hadiths? Is it correct, and should the response be given by all the followers or only by the Imam? If followers respond, should it be done loudly or silently? (An Inquirer)
Answer:
It is established in Sahih Muslim that during the night prayer, when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would recite a verse of glorification, he would glorify Allah; when he would recite a verse of supplication, he would supplicate; and when he would recite a verse seeking refuge, he would seek refuge in Allah.
(Hadith 772)
Imam Ibn Abi Shaybah has narrated with a sound chain that:Abu Musa Ashari (may Allah be pleased with him) led the Friday prayer. When he recited the verse "سَبِّحِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ الْأَعْلَى" he said: "سبحان ربي الأعلى" (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High).
[Al-Musannaf by Ibn Abi Shaybah 2/508]
A similar practice is reported from Imran bin Husain and Abdullah bin Zubair (may Allah be pleased with them) and others.
[Ibid]
Therefore, it is permissible for the Imam, during Friday prayers or other prayers, to occasionally respond to a verse in Arabic, whether aloud or silently. However, I have not found any evidence that the followers should also respond to the verses. Therefore, the worshippers should only recite Surah Al-Fatiha behind the Imam during the audible prayers.
Allah knows best.
(Shahadat February 2000) (20 February 2007)
