When Should a Follower Recite Surah Al-Fatihah After the Imam in Salah?
Source: Fatawa Arkan-e-Islam
❖ Question
When should the follower recite Surah Al-Fatihah in Salah?
Should it be recited while the Imam is reciting Surah Al-Fatihah, or after the Imam begins reciting another Surah?
❖ Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ‘ala Rasulillah, amma ba’d!
① The best and most virtuous practice is for the follower to recite Surah Al-Fatihah after the Imam completes his recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, so that the follower can listen attentively to the Imam’s recitation.
② Reason: Reciting Surah Al-Fatihah is a fard (obligatory) and rukn (pillar) of Salah; therefore, listening to the Imam’s recitation during this part is more important.
③ If the follower starts reciting Surah Al-Fatihah while the Imam is also reciting it, it means he is neglecting listening to a fard recitation in order to remain silent for a nafl recitation (the Surah after Al-Fatihah), which is of a lower rank.
④ Therefore, the better and preferred method is that when the Imam is reciting Surah Al-Fatihah, the follower should remain silent to listen attentively. Listening to the fard recitation is superior to listening to the sunnah recitation.
❖ The Other Aspect of the Issue
⑤ When the Imam completes Surah Al-Fatihah and says ((وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ)), the follower should say “Ameen” in accordance with the Imam.
⑥ If the follower does not say “Ameen” after the Imam’s recitation, he would be breaking the act of following the Imam, and this would exclude him from proper congregation (jama’ah).
⑦ Therefore, the best way is: after the Imam completes Surah Al-Fatihah, the follower should recite Surah Al-Fatihah, and when the Imam says “Ameen,” the follower should also say “Ameen” with him.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
