the matter itself, and does so as a precaution. Accordingly, when the imam recites quietly, is it recommended for the person praying behind him to seek refuge with Allah as well as say the opening supplication if he does not recite? There are two reports from Ahmad on this.

The correct view is that seeking refuge is prescribed only for someone who recites. If there is enough time for recitation, he should seek refuge and recite; otherwise, he should listen silently.

Section

As for the “second section”—recitation when one does not hear the imam’s recitation, as when the imam recites quietly or remains silent—the command to recite and the encouragement to do so apply even more strongly to someone praying than to anyone else. Reciting the Quran during prayer is better than reciting it outside prayer, and the reported merits of reciting the Quran apply even more strongly to someone praying than to anyone else. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Whoever recites the Quran will have ten good deeds credited to him for every letter. I do not mean that Alif-Lām-Mīm is one letter; rather, alif is one letter, lām is one letter, and mīm is one letter.”

Al-Tirmidhī said: “An authentic hadith.”

Concerning prayer specifically, the following statement is established in the authentic hadith narrated by Muslim from Abū Hurayra, from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, who said: “Whoever