'Reciting Al-Fatihah is Required in Every Rak'ah of the Prayer' … · 2015-09-25 · [Surah...

Reciting Al-Fatihah is Required in Every Rak'ah of the Prayer

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'Reciting Al-Fatihah is Required in Every

Rak'ah of the Prayer'

Compiled By

Muhammad Gaffer Ibn Abdul Goffur


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In The Name of Allah,

the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful


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"And your Lord said: "Invoke Me, [i.e. believe in My Oneness (Islamic

Monotheism)] (and ask Me for anything) I will respond to your (invocation).

Verily! Those who scorn My worship [i.e. do not invoke Me, and do not

believe in My Oneness, (Islamic Monotheism)] they will surely enter Hell in

humiliation!"

[Surah Ghafir 40:60]

"Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when

he calls Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth,

generations after generations. Is there any ilah (god) with Allah? Little is that

you remember!"

[Surah An-Naml 27:62]


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The Amir al-Mu'minin Abu Hafs 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra) said:

"I heard the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) saying, 'Actions are only by intentions,

and each man has only that which he intends. Whoever's emigration is for

Allah and His Messenger, then his emigration is for Allah and His Messenger.

Whoever's emigration is for some worldly gain which he can acquire or a

woman he will marry, then his emigration is for that which he emigrates."

[al-Bukhari & Muslim]


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Mentioned With Transliteration Meaning

Allah's Name Subhanahu wa ta'ala He is exalted above

weakness and indignity

Allah's Name 'Azza wa-Jal He is exalted and

glorified

Allah's Name Jalla Jalaluh Exalted is His glory

Prophet Muhammad Salla 'Llahu 'alayhi wa

sallam

May Allah's peace and

blessings be on him

Prophets and Angels 'Alayh is-Salam Peace be on him

A Male Companion Radiya 'Llahu 'anhu May Allah be pleased

with him

A Female Companion Radiya 'Llahu 'anha May Allah be pleased

with her

Two Companion Radiya 'Llahu

'anhuma

May Allah be pleased

with them

More Than Two

Companions

Radiya 'Llahu 'anhum May Allah be pleased

with them

A Past Scholar or Righteous

Muslim

Rahimahu 'Llah May Allah have mercy

on him


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Acknowledgement

All Praise and thanks be to Allah! We praise and thank Him, ask Him for His Help and

Forgiveness, and we seek refuge in Allah from the evils of our souls and the mischief of

our deeds. He whom Allah guides will not be misled, and he whom Allah misleads will

never have a guide. I testify that there is no deity but Allah alone, without any partners,

and that Muhammad is His 'Abd (worshiper) and Messenger.

Putting together a work of this nature is a monumental task that obviously takes more

effort than that of a translator and editor. As is always, to mention all those who aided

me with their various input would be an equally lengthy task. But, of course, a few

people stand out for their significant commitment in making this book a success. Special

thanks to my Parents, Wife & Khayer Uncle.

Of course, first and last, all praise and thanks are due to Allah (SWT), may He (AWJ)

forgive us for any mistakes and show us the right path. Aameen.

Muhammad Gaffer Ibn Abdul Goffur

May 21, 2014


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I would like to start with the verse from the Noble Qur'an where Allah, Most High,

says:

"And We have sent you (O Muhammad (pbuh)) not but as a mercy for the 'Al-

Aameen (mankind, jinns and all that exists)." Surah Al-Anbiyaa 21:107

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) says:

"...Every Prophet used to be sent to his nation only but I have been sent to all

mankind." Al-Bukhari

Allah, the most Merciful, sent the Prophet (pbuh) as a mercy for the whole mankind, he

has taught us everything which can take us to the Jannah and save us from the Hell fire,

through the mercy of the All-Mighty. There is nothing that was not taught by the

Prophet (pbuh) to save the human kind from errors and deception of the devils. All the

Messengers came with the truth to save mankind but it is only the ignorance is the

cause for the mankind to the destruction in this life and the life of Hereafter.

Allah, All-Mighty says:

"Verily, those who disbelieve, and die while they are disbelievers, it is they on

whom is the Curse of Allah and of the angels and of mankind, combined."

Surah Al-Baqarah 2:161

Allah, the most High, has sent the Messengers with glad tiding through the Divine

guidance which is the key of the success in both worlds.

Allah, Exalted be He, says:


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"Mankind were one community and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and

warnings, and with them He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people

in matters wherein they differed. And only those to whom (the Scripture) was

given differed concerning it after clear proofs had come unto them through

hatred, one to another. Then Allah by His Leave guided those who believed to

the truth of that wherein they differed. And Allah guides whom He wills to a

Straight Path." Surah Al-Baqarah 2:213

And, as for the guidance and success, All-Mighty has gifted us the Salaah through the

Prophet (pbuh) and he taught us how to perform it properly and warned us from

following any kind of Bid'ah (Innovation) in this regard as well as in other factors of

Islam and in this regard (Salaah) it is related in Sahih Al-Bukhari & Muslim, that:

The prayer was one of the most important things which the Prophet Muhammad

(pbuh) explained to the people, verbally and practically, even praying on the

pulpit once - standing, bowing, and prostrating, and then saying to them, 'I have

done this so that you may follow me and learn my prayer." Bukhari & Muslim

And,

"The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) obliged us to copy him in his prayer, saying,

'Pray as you have seen me prayer.'" Bukhari & Ahmad

And, I would like to highlight with great sincerity that Salaah is a matter in Islam that

Muslims should taken it into the consideration very seriously. Allah, All-Mighty says:

"In Gardens (Paradise) they will ask one another, About Al-Mujrimun

(polytheists, criminals, disbelievers, etc.), (And they will say to them): What has


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caused you to enter Hell? They will say: "We were not of those who used to offer

their Salat (prayers), Nor we used to feed Al-Miskin (the poor); "And we used to

talk falsehood (all that which Allah hated) with vain talkers. And we used to

belie the Day of Recompense. Until there came to us (the death) that is certain."

Surah Al-Muddaththir 74:40-47

And the Prophet (pbuh) said:

"The first thing the people will be accountable for on the Day of Judgment is

prayer, Allah will say to His angels (even though he already knows): "Look at my

servants prayers. Were they complete or not?" If they were complete It will be

written as complete. If they were not fully complete Allah will say: "See if my

servant has voluntary prayers, If he has them Allah will say: Complete his

obligatory prayers shortage with his voluntary prayers." Then the rest of his

deeds will be dealt with in the same manner." Ahmad, Abu Dawood, An-Nisa'i,

and Al-Hakim

So, we need to be very serious regarding all the aspects that are related to the Salaah,

and find us far off from either following any innovation and conveying it to others,

obviously if knowledge has reached to us against any Bi'dah then we need to stand forth

to remove it from us and from the others through engage in best of the manners with

seeking help from the All-Mighty. And it only can take place if we acquire the true

knowledge of Islam from authentic sources. As the Prophet (pbuh) said:

"Seeking Knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim." Ibn 'Adiyy, Al-Bayhaqi

& Al-Tabarani

And,

"One who treads a path in search of knowledge has his path to Paradise made

easy by God…" Riyadh us-Saleheen

And,


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"A servant of God will remain standing on the Day of Judgment until he is

questioned about his (time on earth) and how he used it; about his knowledge

and how he utilized it; about his wealth and from where he acquired it and in

what (activities) he spent it; and about his body and how he used it." Al-

Tirmidhi

And,

"Knowledge from which no benefit is derived is like a treasure out of which

nothing is spent in the cause of God." Al-Tirmidhi

And,

"God, His angels and all those in Heavens and on Earth, even ants in their hills

and fish in the water, call down blessings on those who instruct others in

beneficial knowledge." Al-Tirmidhi

And,

"Acquire knowledge and impart it to the people." Al-Tirmidhi

And, beware of anything in Islam following blindly whether any Imam, any Madhhab,

or any person giving preference over true teachings of Islam related to the Qur'an and

Sunnah.

The Prophet (pbuh) said:

"There are some that I fear more for you than I do the Antichrist (Dajjal). People

asked, 'Who are they, O Messenger of Allah?' He (pbuh) said, 'Evil scholars.'"

The beginning of guidance by Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, P.20

And, I also would like to warn those who neglect some of the Sunnah's of the Prophet

Muhammad (pbuh). Any Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) should be followed


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wholeheartedly once it is established, it is because the Prophet (pbuh) was sent with

blessed guidance, with the Noble Qur'an and Like of the Qur'an (hadith).

As the Prophet (pbuh) said:

"Beware, I have been given the Qur'an and it's like together with it." Abu

Dawud

{This is clear proof of the fact that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) received the Revelation

from Allah in addition what is contained in the Qur'an and he acted according to it.

What is meant by the "Like of the Qur'an" in the hadith is the Sunna, or Practices of

the Prophet (pbuh)}. The Qur'an in 99 Questions by Muhittin Akgul, P.12

So, as part of the Salaah, we should be well aware of what we are following and what we

are leaving. One of the aspects of the Salaah which is highly required to make it's

perfection is the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah.

As I found from many of the authentic references that reciting Surah Al-Fatihah is

required in every rak'ah. And here I will explain all those references below to clear it to

those who always welcome the guidance by heart and act upon it.

Allah, the most High says:

"This is the Book (the Qur'an), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those

who are Al-Muttaqun [the pious and righteous persons who fear Allah much

(abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love

Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)]. Who

believe in the Ghaib and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and spend out of

what we have provided for them [i.e. give Zakat , spend on themselves, their

parents, their children, their wives, etc., and also give charity to the poor and also

in Allah's Cause - Jihad, etc.]." Surah Al-Baqarah 2:2-3

So, as All-Mighty wills, here are all those references as below which I gone through that

highlights a clear view of that the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah is required in every

rek'ah:


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1: According to "Tafsir Ibn Kathir", the Tafsir of Surah Al-Fatihah, Vo.1, P.47-50, English

version, Darussalam publication; it is mentioned:

Muslim recorded in his Sahih, and An-Nasa'i in his Sunan that Ibn Abbas said, "While

Jibril (Gabriel) was with the Messenger of Allah (pbuh), he heard a noise from above.

Jibril lifted his sight to the sky and said, 'This is a door in heaven being open, and it has

never been opened before now.' An angel descended from that door and came to the

Prophet (pbuh) and said, 'Receive the glad tidings of two lights that you have been

given, which no other Prophet before you was given: the Opening of the Book and the

last (three) Ayat of Surat Al-Baqarah. You will not read a letter of them, but will gain its

benefit.'" This is the wording collected by An-Nasa'i (Al-Kubra 5:12) and Muslim

recorded similar wording (1:554).

Al-Fatihah and the prayer:

Muslim recorded that Abu Hurairah said that the Prophet (pbuh) said,

"Whoever performs any prayer in which he did not read Umm Al-Qur'an (Surah

Al-Fatihah), then his prayer is incomplete." He said it thrice.

Abu Hurairah was asked, "[When] we stand behind the Imam? He said, "Read it to

yourself, for I heard the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:

'Allah, the Exalted, said, 'I have divided the prayer (Al-Fatihah) into two halves

between Myself and My servant, and My servant shall have what he asks for.'

If he says:

''All praise and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of existence.''

Allah says, 'My servant has praised Me.' When the servant says,

''The Most Glorious, the Most Merciful.''

Allah says, 'My servant has glorified Me,' When he says,

"The Owner of the Day of Recompense."


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Allah says, 'My servant has glorified Me,' or 'My servant has related all matters

to Me.' When he says:

"You (alone) we worship, and You (alone) we ask for help."

Allah says, 'This is between Me and My servant, and My servant shall acquire

what he sought.' When he says,

"Guide us to the straight path. The way of those on whom You have granted

Your grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who

went astray."

Allah says, 'This is for My servant shall acquire what he asked for.'

These are the words of An-Nasa'i, while both Muslim and An-Nasa'i collected the

following wording, "A half of it is for Me and a half for My servant, and My servant

shall acquire what he asked for. Muslim, and An-Nasa'i

Reciting Al-Fatihah is required in every rak'ah of the prayer:

All of these facts testify to the requirement that reciting the Qur'an (Al-Fatihah) in the

prayer is required, and there is a consensus between the scholars on this ruling. The

Hadith that we mentioned also testifies to this fact, for the Prophet (pbuh) said,

"Whoever performs any prayer in which he did not recite Umm Al-Qur'an

(Surah Al-Fatihah), his prayer is incomplete." Ahmad

Also, the Two Sahihs recorded that Ubadah bin As-Samit said that the Messenger of

Allah (pbuh) said,

"There is no prayer whoever does not recite the Opening of the Book (Surah Al-

Fatihah)." Fath Al-Bari & Muslim


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Also, Sahihs of Ibn Khuzaymah and Ibn Hibban recorded that Abu Hurairah said that

the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said,

"The prayer during which Umm Al-Qur'an (Surah Al-Fatihah) is not recited is

invalid." Ibn Khuzaymah & Ibn Hibban

There are many other Hadiths on this subject. Therefore, reciting the Opening of the

Book (Surah Al-Fatihah), during the prayer by the Imam and those praying behind him,

is required in every prayer, and in every rak'ah.

2: According to "Bulugh Al-Maram by Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani", P.98-99, Hadith

no.218, English version, Darussalam publication; it is mentioned:

Narrated Ubadah bin As-Samit (ra): Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said, "There is no

Salat (prayer) for him who does not recite Ummul-Qur'an*** (Surat Al-Fatihah)."

Agreed upon

In another narration of Ibn Hibban and Ad-Daraqutni is mentioned: "The Salat

(prayer) is not complete if one does not recite (Surat) Fatihah al-Kitab."

And in another narration of Ahmad, Abu Da'ud, At-Tirmidhi, and Ibn Hibban

is: "Perhaps you recite behind your Imam? We replied, "Yes". He (the Prophet

(pbuh)) said, "Do not do so except when it is (Surat) Fatihah al-Kitab, for the

Salat (prayer) of the one who does not recite it, is not accepted."

***(Explanation by Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani): The above mentioned Hadith is a

clear proof that without reciting Al-Fatihah, prayer is not valid. The Companions of the

noble Prophet (pbuh) and the followers of the Companions and most of the scholars

believed in this practice. The noble Prophet (pbuh) ordered to pray with the recitation


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of Al-Fatihah, in every rak'ah. The Imam (leader) and the Muqtadi (follower) both have

to recite Al-Fatihah. No one is an exception, and similarly in every prayer Sirran (-

secret, silent) or Jahran (-loud voice), it is necessary to recite Al-Fatihah.

Muslim has narrated a Hadith from Abu Hurairah (ra), in which he was asked about

the recitation of Al-Fatihah, if the prayer is being offered behind the Imam. Abu

Hurairah answered that it should be recited secretly (in low voice).

Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and An-Nasa'i have reported a Hadith from Ubadah (ra): The

noble Prophet (pbuh) asked, "Do you recite anything behind the Imam? Companions

(ra) answered in positive then the noble Prophet (pbuh) told them to recite Al-Fatihah

only and nothing else, because without the recitation of Al-Fatihah, prayer is not valid.

There are many other Ahadith which prove that the recitation of Al-Fatihah is essential

behind the Imam also. As regard the Hadith, which mentions that the recitation of

Imam is enough for the followers, it is da'if (weak). Among those who admit this view

(recitation of Fatihah), some are of the opinion that Al-Fatihah should be recited in

between the pauses of the recitation of the Imam, and others say that it should be

recited at the completion of Al-Fatihah by the Imam.

3: According to "A Summary of Islamic Jurisprudence by Dr. Salih Al-Fawzan", P.119-

121, English version; it is mentioned:

Prayer are divided into three sections, namely the integral parts, obligatory parts, and

the act of Sunnah.

The Integral parts of prayer are those the negligence of any of which , intentionally or

inattentively, invalidates prayer or invalidates the rak'ah (unit of prayer) in which it is

neglected. There are 'Fourteen Integral Parts of Prayer' and the Third integral part of

prayer is the recitation of the Al-Fatihah (the Opening Chapter of the Qur'an). The

Prophet (pbuh) said:


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"No prayer is (acceptable) from whoever does not recite Al-Fatihah (in it)." Al-

Bukhari & Muslim

Reciting Al-Fatihah is one of the integral parts of each rak'ah in prayer, as authentically

narrated to have been observed by the Prophet (pbuh). Moreover, when the Prophet

(pbuh) taught the one who used to perform prayer improperly, he ordered him to recite

Al-Fatihah in each rak'ah. Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Ibn Hibban

The question here: Is everyone performing a congregational prayer obliged to recite Al-

Fatihah, or is it only obligatory to be recited by the Imam in case of a publicly-recited

prayer and by the single worshipper? In fact, scholars disagree in this concern. So, to

avoid any doubt and to be in the safe side, one is to recite Al-Fatihah if one is led in a

secretly-recited prayer, and to recite it during the pause made by the Imam (after his

recitation of Al-Fatihah) in case of publicly-recited prayers.

4: According to "Minhaj Al-Muslim by Abu Bakr Jabir Al-Jaza'iry", P.408-410, English

version, Darussalam publication; it is mentioned:

One of the obligatory elements of the prayer is reciting Al-Fatihah because the Prophet

(pbuh) said:

"There is no Salah for the one who did not recite the Opening of the Book

(Surah Al-Fatihah)." Al-Bukhari

*As for the follower not being required to recite Al-Fatihah behind an Imam in an

audible prayer, the preferred view as clarified by the verifying scholars and the scholars

of Hadith, and it is the choice of the Imam of the scholars of Hadith Muhammad bin

Isma'il Al-Bukhari and others is that the Hadith narrated by 'Ubadah bin as-Samit, may

Allah be pleased with him:


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"There is no prayer (Salah) for the one who did not recite the Opening of the

Book."

a general including the Imam, the follower, and the one praying alone, whether the

Imam is reciting aloud or silently. This is the clear view held by Ibn 'Abdul-Barr in At-

Tamhid, Al-Karmani and Al-Qastalani in their commentaries on Sahih Al-Bukhari, Al-

Bayhaqi in Al-Qira'ah, and Abdul-Hayy Al-Lukhnawi in As-Sa'ayah. In Al-Qira'ah, Al-

Bayhaqi recorded a Hadith with an authentic chain with in wording:

"There is no Salah for the one who does not recite the Opening of the Book (Al-

Fatihah) behind the Imam."

As for specifying of the obligation of reciting it to cases of an Imam and the one praying

alone, but not for the one following an Imam, then there is no evidence for that. Rather

what proves is that it is obligatory for the follower to recite it as it is mentioned in the

lengthy Hadith, which was recorded by Abu Dawud from Ubadah bin as-Samit, may

Allah be pleased with him, in which the Prophet (pbuh) said:

"Do you recite when I recite the Qur'an aloud?" Some of us said, "We do that."

This is why I said to myself, 'What is that which confused me with the Qur'an.'

So do not recite anything of the Qur'an when the Imam is reciting the Qur'an

aloud." Abu Dawud

As for arguing by using the verse:

"And when the Qur'an is recited then be silent so that perhaps you may receive

mercy." Surah Al-Araf 7:204

It cannot be understood to obligate the follower to be silent such that he does not recite

anything to himself, since silence means to avoid being loud, the details of which are

available in the books. Or, it refers to what everything besides Al-Fatihah since Prophet

(pbuh) ordered reciting Al-Fatihah for the follower as well as many other in the Hadith


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of Ubadah bin as-Samit as well as many other Hadiths. Or, the verse is general and the

Hadith of 'Ubadah and the others are specific. As for arguing with the Hadith:

"When the Imam says Allahu Akbar then say Allahu Akbar and when he recites

then be silent."

Then the response to this includes the following:

1. The order to be silent does not negate the recitation as preceded.

2. It applies to other than Al-Fatihah.

3. That the addition in the Hadith:

"and when he recites then be silent."

is not preserved as it is recorded by Al-Bukhari in Juz' Al-Qira'ah no.263 and Abu

Dawud in his sunan no.604

With this then it is known that the recitation of Al-Fatihah is obligatory on the Imam,

the follower, and the praying alone and that one's prayer is not correct without it.

5: According to "The Prophet's Prayer Described by Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaani",

P.21/104, English version; it is mentioned:

The Prophet (pbuh) vehemently emphasise the importance of this soorah, saying:

"There is no prayer for the one who did not recite [in it] the Opening chapter

(Surah Al-Fatihah) [at-least]." Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Awaanah, & Bayhaqi

And in another saying:

"That prayer is not sufficient in which a man does not recite the Opening of the

Book." Daraqutni, who declared it saheeh, and Ibn Hibban in his saheeh.


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He (pbuh) also said:

"He who performs a prayer in which he does not recite the Opening of the Book,

then it (i.e., prayer) is deficient, it is deficient, it is deficient, incomplete."

Muslim & Abu Awaanah

He (pbuh) also used to say:

"Allah did not reveal in Torah or the Gospel anything like the Mother of the

Qur'an. It is the Seven Oft-Repeated [and the Grand Recitation which have been

bestowed upon me]." An-Nasa'i & Hakim, who declared it saheeh and Dhahabi

agreed.

I personally heard some of the people quoting a Hadith to support themselves that

reciting behind the Imam is sinful and they have quoted a hadith which is as follows:

"He who recites behind the Imam, his mouth is filled with fire."

and I found in the same book by Naasir-us-Deen Al-Albaani, as he mentioned that this

hadith is Mawdoo (Fabricated). From Silsilah al-Ahaadeeth ad-Da'eefah wal-Mawdoo'ah

(568-570) by Shaykh Al-Albaani.

6: According to "The Concise Presentation of the Fiqh of the Sunnah and the Noble Book

by Dr. Abdul Azeem Badawi", P.111-112, English version; it is mentioned:

The prayer is composed of obligatory and necessary components that combined together

make up its true form. If any of these obligatory aspects are not performed, its true form

is not met and it is not considered the prayer from the Shari'ah perspective. One of the

necessary components of the prayer is to recite the Surah Al-Fatihah.

'Ubadah ibn as-Samit (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said,

"There is no prayer for the one who did not read the Opening of the Book (this


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is, Surah Al-Fatihah).'" Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi, An-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah, &

Abu Dawud

'The Prophet (pbuh) also ordered the one who did not perform his prayer

properly to recite and then said at the end, "And do such throughout your entire

prayer.'" Bukhari & Muslim

7: According to "Al-Muwatta of Imam Malik Ibn Anas", P.29, English version; it is

mentioned:

"Yahya related to me from Malik from al-Ala ibn Abd ar-Rahman ibn Ya'qub

that he heard Abu's-Sa'ib, the mawla of Hisham ibn Zuhra, say he had heard

Abu Hurayra say, "I heard the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) say, 'Whoever prays a

prayer without reciting the umm al-Qur'an in it, his prayer is aborted, it is

aborted, it is aborted, incomplete.' So I said, 'Abu Hurayra, sometimes I am

behind the imam.' He pulled my forearm and said, 'Recite it to yourself, O

Persian, for I heard the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) say that Allah the Blessed, the

Exalted, said, "I have divided the prayer into two halves between me and my

slave. One half of it is for Me and one half of it is for My slave, and My slave has

what he asks." ' The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him

peace, said, "Recite." The slave says, 'Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.'

Allah the Blessed, the Exalted, says, 'My slave has praised Me.' The slave says,

'The Merciful, the Compassionate.' Allah says, 'My slave has spoken well of Me.'

The slave says, 'Master of the Day of the Deen.' Allah says, 'My slave has

glorified Me.' The slave says, 'You alone we worship and You alone we ask for

help.' Allah says, 'This ayat is between Me and My slave, and for My slave is

what he asks. 'The slave says, 'Guide us in the straight Path, the Path of those

whom You have blessed, not of those with whom You are angry, nor those who


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are in error. ' Allah says, 'These are for My slaves, and for my slave is what he

asks . ' " ' " [Malik, Chp: 003 Prayer, No. 41]

But there are also a few Hadiths in which it says that When Imam reciting aloud they

did not recite but when Imam did not recite aloud they use to recite and this is the most

preferable to the Imam Malik of what he heard about the matter.

8: According to "Fatawa Arkanul-Islam by Muhammad bin Salih Al-Uthaimeen", Fatawa

no.242, P.468-473, English version, Darussalam publication; it is mentioned:

The most Correct view in My Opinion is that the recitation of Surat Al-Fatihah is a

pillar of the prayer for the Imam, for the one being led in prayer and for the single

worshipper, both in the quiets prayers and in the prayers in which the recitation is made

aloud, except for the latecomer, if he catches the Imam in 'Ruku'. In his case recitation

of Surat Al-Fatihah is not required in these circumstances. The evidence for this is the

generality of the words of the Prophet (pbuh):

"There is no prayer for the one who does not recite the Opening of the Book

(i.e., Surat Al-Fatihah)." Bukhari, Muslim

And the words of the Prophet (pbuh):

"Whoever prayed and did not recite therein Ummul-Qur'an (i.e., Surat Al-

Fatihah), it is Khidaj." Muslim

Meaning that it is corrupt and this is general. What also proves this is the Hadith of

Ubadah bin as-Samit, may Allah be pleased with him, in which he said that the Prophet

(pbuh) went out from the morning prayer and said to his Companions:

"Perhaps you recite behind your Imam?"

They said: "Yes, oh, Messenger of Allah." He said:


22

"Do not do so, except for Ummul-Qur'an, for there is no prayer for one who

does not recite it." Imam Ahmad, Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, Al-Hakim, & Ad-

Daraqutni

And this was narrated regarding the prayers in which the recitation is made aloud.

As for its not required for the latecomer, the evidence for that is the Hadith of Abu

Bakrah, may Allah be pleased with him, who caught the Prophet (pbuh) in Ruku. He

hastened and when the Prophet (pbuh) finished the prayer, he asked about who had

done that and Abu Bakrah said: I, oh, Messenger of Allah." The Prophet (pbuh) said:

"May Allah increase you in striving, but do not do it again." Al-Bukhari

The Prophet (pbuh) did not order him to repeat the Rak'ah in which he was hasty due

to his desire not to miss it. If it was obligatory for him, the Prophet (pbuh) would have

ordered the one who prayed without being at rest to repeat his prayer. This is from the

narrated evidence.

As for logical evidence, we say: This man who came late did not catch the standing

which is the place of the recitation of Surat Al-Fatihah, and since he did not catch the

place, the obligations therein are lifted from him. The evidence for which is that a

person whose hand has been cut off is not required to wash the upper arm in place of

the forearm; rather the obligation is lifted from him, due to the loss of its place.

Likewise, the obligation to recite Surat Al-Fatihah is lifted from one who caught the

Imam while he was in Ruku', because he did not catch the standing which is the place

of the recitation of Surat Al-Fatihah; and the obligation of the standing is only lifted

from him in order that he may follow Imam.

This, in my view is the correct opinion. Were it not for the Hadith of Ubadah bin as-

Samit which I indicated a short while ago, the most authoritative view would be that the

recitation of Surat Al-Fatihah is not required by one being led in a prayer in which the

recitation is made aloud. This is because the listener is like the reciter regarding the


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attainment of reward, which is why Allah, the Most High said to Musa, peace be upon

him:

"Verily, the invocation of you both is accepted." Surah Yunus 10:89

Even though the supplicator was Musa alone. Allah, the Most High said:

"And Musa (Moses) said: "Our Lord! You have indeed bestowed on Fir'aun

(Pharaoh) and his chiefs splendour and wealth in the life of this world, our Lord!

That they may lead men astray from Your Path. Our Lord! Destroy their wealth,

and harden their hearts, so that they will not believe until they see the painful

torment." Surah Yunus 10:88

And did Allah inform us that Harun, peace be upon him, supplicated? The answer is no,

but in spite of that, He said:

"Verily, the invocation of you both is accepted."

The scholar said regarding the use of the dual after the singular; Musa supplicated and

Harun believed.

As for the Hadith of Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, in which it was said:

"Whoever was being led by an Imam, the recitation of the Imam is a recitation for

him." Imam Ahmad

It is weak, because it is a Mursal [an incomplete chain of narrators which goes back

only as far a Tabi'i (one who heard from one or more of the Companions) and so could

not have narrated directly from the Prophet (pbuh)] narration, as Ibn Kathir said, in the

introduction of his Tafsir. Also, those who cite this Hadith as evidence do not do so

unrestrictedly, because some of those who cite it as evidence say that the one who is

being led in prayer is required to recite Surat Al-Fatihah in the quiet prayers, so they do

not follow it unrestrictedly.


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If it were said: If the Imam does not remain silent, then when should the one being led

in prayer recite Surat Al-Fatihah? We say: He should recite Surat Al-Fatihah while the

Imam is reciting, because the Companions used to recite with the Messenger (pbuh),

while he was reciting, for he said:

"Do not do so, except for Ummul-Qur'an, for there is no prayer for one who does

not recite it." reference already mentioned previously.

9: According to "Fatawa Islamiyyah by Shaykh Ibn Uthaimeen, Ibn Baz, Al-Jibreen, along

with The Permanent Committee and the Decisions of the Fiqh Council", Vo.2, P.198-199,

English version, Darussalam publication; it is mentioned:

As Ash-Shaykh Ibn Jibreen (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked: I performed

Zuhr prayer behind the Imam, but in the last of two rak'ahs, I was unable to complete

the recitation of Fatihah Al-Kitab, since had I completed it, I would have missed the

bowing with the Imam. Should I complete the recitation, or bow and the recitation of

the Imam will be sufficient for me?

His response is: It is apparent that the Imam is rushing the recitation and shortening

the standing, or that you are slow in reciting, prolonging the pronouncing and

enunciation of the letters. If it is the former, you must advise this Imam against haste

and rushing causes the worshippers to be unable to perform the pillars the pillars (of

Islam). If it is the latter, then you must be briefer (in your recitation) and implement

whatever speed is necessary for you to perform the pillars with the Imam. In any case,

you must follow the Imam, even if you are not able to complete the recitation, if you

fear that you will miss the bowing.

*(Note from me: According to the response, It is not allowed to rush and haste in prayer

for the Imam and Imam should allow the time or follow the recitation in a manner that

the Muqtadi can recite the Opening of the Book, Al-Fatihah, and if not, then it is also


25

advised to make the recitation of Al-Fatihah faster than the normal speed to follow the

Imam. But in all circumstances the responsibility goes to the Imam that how he is

making it easy or difficult or easy for the Muqtadi.)

10: According to "Fatawa Islamiyyah by Shaykh Ibn Uthaimeen, Ibn Baz, Al-Jibreen,

along with The Permanent Committee and the Decisions of the Fiqh Council", Vo.2,

P.206-207, English version, Darussalam publication; it is mentioned:

As Ash-Shaykh Ibn Uthaimeen (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked: What is

required of the one who is led in prayer when he prays? And should he recite with the

Imam, or listen to the recitation of the Imam?

His response is: The one is who led in prayer must recite Al-Fatihah in all

circumstances, in the silent prayers and in the audible prayers. As for other than Al-

Fatihah, in audible prayers, he should be silent during the recitation of his Imam and it

is not permissible for him to recite, according to the words of the Prophet (pbuh) to his

Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, when he heard them reciting with him:

"Do not do so, except Ummul-Qur'an (Al-Fatihah), because there is no prayer

for one who does not recite it." Abu Dawud

Also, the one who is led in prayer is different from the individual worshipper, because if

the Imam says: "Sami' Allahu liman hamidah" (Allah hears the one who praises Him),

the one who is led in prayer says: "Rabbana wa lakal-Hamd" (Our Lord! All praise is

due to Allah), because the Prophet (pbuh) said:

"The Imam is there to be followed, so if he says: "Allahu Akbar", then you say:

"Allahu Akbar" and do not do so until he does. And if he bows, then you bow,

and do not do so until he does. And if he says: "Sami Allahu liman hamidah",

then say: "Rabbana wa lakal-Hamd". And if he prostrate, then you prostrate, and


26

do not do so until he does. And if he prays standing, then you pray standing.

And if he prays sitting, then all of you pray sitting." Al-Bukhari and Muslim

11: According to "Fatawa Islamiyyah by Shaykh Ibn Uthaimeen, Ibn Baz, Al-Jibreen,

along with The Permanent Committee and the Decisions of the Fiqh Council", Vo.2,

P.211-212, English version, Darussalam publication; it is mentioned:

As Ash-Shaykh Ibn Baz (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked: After the Imam

finishes reciting Al-Fatihah in the audible prayers, the worshipper recites Al-Fatihah, but

I hear some of them reciting a short Surah with it; what is the ruling on this?

His response is: It is not permissible for the one who is led in the audible prayer to

recite anything except Al-Fatihah. In fact, it is obligatory for him to be silent after that

the recitation of the Imam, based upon the words of the Prophet (pbuh):

"Perhaps you recite behind your Imam?"

We replied, "Yes." He said:

"Do not do so, except for the Opening of the Book (i.e., Al-Fatihah), for there is

no prayer for him who does not recite it." ABu Dawud

Allah, the Most High, says:

"So when the Qur'an is recited, listen to it and be silent, that you may receive

mercy." Surah Al-A'raf 7:204

And the words of the Prophet (pbuh):

"When the Imam recites, be silent." Ibn Majah

The only exception to this is the recitation of Al-Fatihah according to the

aforementioned Hadith and the general meaning of his words:


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"There is no prayer for the one who does not recite Fatihah Al-Kitab." Al-

Bukhari & Muslim

12: According to "Fatwas of Ibn Baz, Vol.11, The book of Salaah, Section 2, the essential

pillars of Salah; Reciting Al-Fatihah during pauses left by the Imam is preferred; it is

mentioned:

As Ash-Shaykh Ibn Baz (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked: From our brother,

from Al-Hufuf in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who says in his question: The Imam

sometimes pauses before reciting Al-Fatihah in the Jahri Salah (Prayer recited out loud),

which enables me to recite Al-Fatihah before him. Does this practice agree with the

Sunnah (what was reported from the Prophet) or does it have to be recited after the

Imam finishes reciting it? Please give us a Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified

Muslim scholar) on this and may Allah reward you with the best.

His response is: It is obligatory for a Ma’mum (a person being led by an Imam in

Prayer) to recite Al-Fatihah in all Rak‘ahs (units of Prayer); if they find a space, they

should recite it during the pause made by the Imam before he recites it; or if they can,

they should recite it after the Imam, which is better; if neither of these cases is possible,

they can recite it even while the Imam is reciting it, and then listen to the Imam, as the

Prophet (pbuh) said,

"Maybe you recite behind your Imam?" We (the Companions) said, "Yes." He

said, "Do not do so, except with the Opening of the Book (i.e. Al-Fatihah), as

there is no Salah (Prayer) for those who do not recite it." Imam Ahmad, Abu

Dawud, Al-Tirmidhy and Ibn Hibban, with a sound Isnad [chain of narrators]


28

This is also based on the general meaning of the Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh):

"There is no Salah for those who do not recite the Opening of the Book."

Agreed upon

If a Ma’mum does not recite Al-Fatihah due to forgetfulness or ignorance, their Salah is

valid, because reciting Al-Fatihah is obligatory on them, but it is not a Rukn (essential

pillar) of the Salah. If a Ma’mum joins the Salah while the Imam is in the Ruku‘

(bowing) position or bending for the Ruku‘, they have to bow with the Imam and the

obligation of reciting Al-Fatihah is removed from them, as it was related by Al-Bukhari

in his "Sahih (Book of Authentic Hadith)" that

"Abu Bakrah Al-Thaqafy (may Allah be pleased with him) came to the Masjid

(mosque) while the Imam was in Ruku‘, so he bowed before joining the row. He

then joined the row. After finishing the Salah, the Prophet (peace be upon him)

said to him, "May Allah increase your eagerness (caring to join Salah). But do

not repeat it again (bowing in that way)."

The Prophet (pbuh) did not order him to make up for that Rak‘ah, which shows that he

was excused, because he had not joined the Salah while the Imam was standing in a

position where he could have recited Al-Fatihah. The same ruling applies to those who

do not recite it due to ignorance or forgetfulness, but not to an Imam or someone who

performs a Salah alone, as reciting Al-Fatihah is a Rukn for them whose obligation

cannot be removed under any case, according to the Hadith Sahih (Hadith that have

been transmitted by people known for their uprightness and exactitude; free from

eccentricity and blemish) on this matter. May Allah grant us success.


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13: According to "The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Iftawas, Fatwa

no. 7870; it is mentioned:

As The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Iftawas asked: Is it

permissible for a Ma'mum (a person being led by an Imam in Prayer) to recite any

Qur'anic Surah after Al-Fatihah or is the recitation of the Imam sufficient for him

whether in Sirri Salah (Prayer with subvocal recitation) or Jahri Salah (Prayer recited

out loud)? I appreciate your advice.

Response of The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' is: If a person

performs Salah (Prayer) behind an Imam in Jahri Salah, they should recite Al-Fatihah

only. If they perform behind an Imam in a Sirri Salah, they should recite Al-Fatihah

then follow it with another Surah or any verses of the Qur'an just in the first two

Rakàhs of the four-Rakàhs Salah (Prayer consisting of four units).

May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad,

his family, and Companions.

14: According to "The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Iftawas, Fatwa

no. 1689; it is mentioned:

As The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Iftawas asked: When a person

joins Salah (Prayer) while the Imam is in Ruku` (bowing) and about to say "Samià

Allah Liman Hamidah" (Allah hears he who praises Him), some people say to him:

"You have to follow the Imam," while others say: "You have to recite Surah Al-Fatihah."

Response of The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' is: If a person

joins the Salah while the Imam is in Ruku` before raising his head, it will be as if he

had attended a complete Rakàh. The evidence for this is the Hadith reported by Abu

Bakrah Al-Thaqafy (may Allah be pleased with him):


30

"He reached the Prophet (pbuh) in the mosque while he was bowing in prayer,

then he bowed before joining the row and mentioned it to the Prophet (peace be

upon him). The Prophet said to him: May Allah increase your love for the good,

but do not repeat it again (bowing in that way)." Ahmad, Al-Bukhari, Abu

Dawud, Al-Nasa'y and Ibn Hibban.

The Hadith clearly indicate the valid realization of the Rak`ah, as the Prophet (pbuh)

did not ask him to repeat it. The basic rule in legislation is generality. This is said by the

Four Imams (Imams Abu Hanifah, Malik, Al-Shafi`y, and Ahmad) and the majority of

scholars.

May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad,

his family, and Companions.

15: According to "Tafsir Ibn Kathir", the Tafsir of Surah Al-A'raf, Vo.4, P.247-248,

English version, Darussalam publication; it is mentioned:

"So, when the Qur'an is recited, listen to it, and be silent that you may receive

mercy." Al-A'raf 7:204

The order to listen to the Qur'an:

After Allah mentioned that this Qur'an is a clear evidence, guidance and mercy for

mankind, He commanded that one listen to the Qur'an when it is recited, in respect and

honor of the Qur'an. This is the contrary of the practice of the pagans of Quraysh, who

said:

"Listen not to this Qur'an, and make noise in the midst of its (recitation)."

41:26

Ibn Jarir reported that Ibn Mas'ud said:


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"We would give Salams to each other during Salah. So the Ayah of Qur'an was revealed:

"When the Qur'an is recited, then listen to it."

*(Note from me: The Opening of the Book, Ummul-Qur'an, Surah Al-Fatihah is only

the exception in this regard and it is agreed by most of the scholars as already

explained.)

I would like to end with saying that we constantly need to follow the guidance that

reached to us through the blessed Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and indeed success

comes from the All-Mighty. Allah says:

"He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad (pbuh)), has indeed obeyed Allah,

but he who turns away, then we have not sent you (O Muhammad (pbuh)) as a

watcher over them." Surah An-Nisa 4:80

And,

" ......... And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (pbuh) he has indeed

achieved a great achievement (i.e. he will be saved from the Hell-fire and made to

enter Paradise)." Surah Al-Ahzab 33:71

And, we always should be careful regarding the Sunnah, whether it is small or great in

reward, that we may not reject it due to our ignorance. Some people neglect the Sunnah

of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) arrogantly & ignorantly, whereas it is stated by the

All-Mighty, Exalted be He, regarding the Prophet (pbuh) that:

"He does not speak out of his own desires. It is only an Inspiration that is

inspired." Surah An-Najm 53:3-4

And, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) says regarding his Sunnah:

"Beware, I have been given the Qur'an and it's like together with it." Abu

Dawud


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I end with the statement that I love by heart of the Prominent scholar ash-Shaykh al-

Albaani (may Allah have mercy on him), as he said:

"If even it is a single reference but sufficient for the true seekers; but for the

ignorant people thousands of the references shall bring no benefit. We can teach

the one who would like to learn but for the ignorant we don't have anything to

do."


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The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said in his last sermon on 9th day of Dhul al-Hijjah, 10

A.H. in the 'Valley of Mount Arafat,

"All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to

others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than

those who listen to me directly. Be my witness O God, that I have

conveyed your message to your people."

And He (pbuh) also said:

"May Allah make radiant [the face of] one who heard what 'I said, learned

it by heart, and transmitted it as he heard it." at-Tirmidhi

"Glorified be your Lord, the Lord of Honour and Power! (He is free) from

what they attribute unto Him! And peace be on the Messengers! And all

the praise and thanks be to Allah, Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinns

and all that exists)." Al-Qur'an 37:180-182


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Conclusion

I pray to the All-Mighty, Exalted be He, bless this small work and forgive me for falling

short of my lofty goal. And I pray to the All-Mighty, All-Wise, that He bless the

Prophet, his family, and his righteous Companions. May the All-Mighty, Exalted be He,

grant us a place under the Prophet's standard on the Day of Resurrection. Aameen.

"....Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily! You are the All-Hearer, the

All-Knower." Al-Qur'an 2:127

"My Lord! Inspire and bestow upon me the power and ability that I may be

grateful for Your Favours which You have bestowed on me and on my parents,

and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by

Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves." Al-Qur'an 27:19

How perfect You are, O Allah! All praise is for You. I bear witness that none has the

right to be worshipped but You. I ask for Your forgiveness, and I repent to You.

"and the close of their request will be: Al-Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil-'Alamin

[All the praises and thanks are to Allah, the Lord of 'Alamin (mankind,

jinns and all that exists)]." Al-Qur'an 10:1


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[note: Due to typing errors, I had to remove the Arabic contexts of the

Qur'anic verses. In sha Allah, as soon as the errors have been resolved I will

put all those Qur'anic verses here.]

Email: [email protected]

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