and the phrase “the great Quran” is joined to it by way of conjoining the general to the particular.

Al-Fātiḥah is a pillar of the prayer and a condition for its validity; therefore, the prayer is not valid without it, due to the Prophet’s saying, peace and blessings be upon him: “There is no prayer for one who does not recite the Opening of the Book.” (1) A detailed discussion of it will follow in the chapter on the pillars of the prayer.

His statement, “He recites al-Fātiḥah,” indicates that al-Fātiḥah must be recited with all its letters, vowel markings, words, verses, and in its proper order. These are five matters: the verses, words, letters, vowel markings, and order. This is inferred from the author’s words, “al-Fātiḥah,” for the definite article here refers to the known entity. Thus, what is meant is the well-known al-Fātiḥah, with its seven verses, words, letters, and vowel markings in their proper order. It must also be recited consecutively; that is, it must not be interrupted by a lengthy pause, because it is a single act of worship. Thus, it is stipulated that its parts follow one another, just as the limbs do in ablution.

In ablution, one washes the face, then the hands, then the head, then the feet. The washing of these four limbs must be consecutive and in order. Likewise, in Surah al-Fātiḥah, the first verse, then the second, then the third, and so on, must be recited consecutively.

If he interrupts it with an unlegislated remembrance or silence, and the interruption is lengthy, ...........

His statement: “If he interrupts it with an unlegislated remembrance or silence, and it is lengthy”