Hadith on Recitation Behind the Imam
It is narrated from Ubadah bin As-Samit (رضي الله عنه) that he said:
“We were performing the Fajr prayer behind the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and he began reciting (Qur'an). However, the recitation became difficult for him. When he completed the prayer, he asked:
‘Perhaps you were reciting behind your Imam?’
We replied: ‘Yes, O Messenger of Allah!’
He (ﷺ) then said:
‘Do not do so, except for Surah Al-Fatihah, for there is no prayer for the one who does not recite it.’
This hadith is narrated by Abu Dawood and other scholars of Hadith. The chain of narrators includes Ibn Ishaq, who is considered reliable and authoritative in Hadith.
Authentication & References:
This Hadith is classified as Hasan (authentic).It is recorded in:
- Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal (5/316-322)
- Abu Dawood (823)
- Tirmidhi (310)
- Al-Daraqutni (1/318)
- Ibn Hibban (460)
- Mustadrak Al-Hakim (1/238)
- Al-Bayhaqi (2/164)
"When he (the Imam) recites, remain silent."
Key Takeaways:
➊ Only Surah Al-Fatihah should be recited behind the Imam because prayer is incomplete without it.
➋ The inattentiveness or murmuring of the followers (Muqtadis) can affect the Imam’s recitation.
- Hence, one should recite attentively where permissible, and otherwise, listen to the recitation silently.
- Forgetfulness or difficulty in recitation may occur due to disturbances from the congregation.
➌ The Imam may address the followers on religious matters after the prayer.
- However, worldly conversations are not allowed.
- Reciting supplications and remembrances after prayer is Sunnah.
➍ The Companions (رضي الله عنهم) performed prayers behind the Prophet (ﷺ) in large numbers.
➎ Remaining silent during the Imam’s recitation (except for Surah Al-Fatihah) is obligatory.
Source:
This content is taken from Sheikh Taqi al-Din Abu al-Fath’s book "Diya Al-Islam Fi Sharh Al-Imam Bi Ahadith Al-Ahkam," translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar Sahib.
