a group, including al-Awzā'ī and other Syrian scholars, is that reciting it is recommended. This was also the view preferred by our grandfather. The majority of scholars distinguish between audible and silent recitation: the follower recites when the imam recites silently, but not when he recites aloud. This is the most balanced view, for Allah Most High says:

“When the Quran is recited, listen to it and be silent, so that you may receive mercy.”

Thus, when the imam recites, the follower should listen; when the imam is silent, he should recite. Recitation is better than remaining silent without listening to anything. Whoever recites the Quran receives ten good deeds for every letter, as the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said. One should not forgo this reward to no purpose; rather, one should either be listening or reciting. And Allah, Glorified and Most High, knows best.

He was asked:

How much of the Friday prayer and congregational prayer must one catch to be considered to have joined them?

He replied:

The jurists differed on how much of the Friday prayer and congregational prayer one must catch, holding three views:

(The first is that neither is caught unless one catches a rak'ah. This is the position of Mālik