Imaam does not leave time for congregation to recite al-Faatihah

11-10-2016 | IslamWeb

Question:

The answer that you gave me in Fatwa No. 2627987, by referring to other two fatwas, does not answer my question. My question was regarding the Taraweeh prayer; the imam does not give us enough time to recite the Faatihah and immediately starts the verses/chapters in high speed in order to complete the Quran in 27 days. Because of the loud volume and the speed of his recitation, it is difficult for us to recite the Faatihah and listen to his recitation at the same time.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

The majority of the scholars held that the one led in prayer is not required to recite the Faatihah while following the imaam in the congregational prayer because the imaam's recitation is sufficient for him. However, some scholars held that the preponderant view in this regard is that the one being led in prayer is required to recite the Faatihah. Ibn Qudaamah wrote, "In brief, it is not obligatory on the one being led in prayer to recite the Faatihah in the audible and inaudible prayers. This view was stated by (Imaam) Ahmad, as was narrated by a group of his students. It is also the view of Az-Zuhri, Ath-Thawri, Ibn ‘Uyaynah, Maalik, Abu Haneefah, and Is-haaq. As-Shaafi‘i and Daawood held that the one being led in prayer is required to recite the Faatihah."

Based on the above, the questioner may follow the view of the majority of the scholars and refrain from reciting the Faatihah in the congregational prayer; however, it is better for him to recite it, even if reciting it preoccupies him from listening to the recitation of the imaam, in order to avoid the difference of opinion of the scholars in this regard.

Allaah knows best.