in light of the clarified and restricted text—namely, the recitation of al-Fatihah. Moreover, in most cases the easiest portion of the Quran to recite is al-Fatihah, because it is recited frequently in audible prayers, and everyone hears it. It is repeated twice in every audible prayer, unlike the rest of the Quran. Furthermore, Abu Dawud narrates: “Then recite the Mother of the Quran, and whatever Allah wills.” (1)
Some scholars (2) have held that reciting al-Fatihah is a pillar for everyone other than the follower in congregational prayer. As for the follower, it is not a pillar for him, neither in a silent prayer nor in an audible prayer. Accordingly, if the follower says the opening takbir and remains silent until the imam bows, then bows with him, his prayer is valid.
They cite as evidence the Prophet’s ﷺ statement: “Whoever has an imam, the imam’s recitation is his recitation.” (3) However, this hadith is not authentically established from the Prophet ﷺ, because it is mursal, and a mursal report is one of the categories of weak hadith; therefore, it cannot serve as proof.
Some scholars (4) have held that reciting al-Fatihah is a pillar for every person who prays, except for the follower in an audible prayer.
They cite the following evidence:
- The hadith of Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet ﷺ, when he forbade them from reciting