Q: A questioner from Najran in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia asks: I cannot recite Al-Fatihah (Opening Chapter of the Qur'an) behind the Imam in Jahri Salah (Prayer recited out loud), because the Imam starts the recitation of the other Surah immediately after Al-Fatihah and I cannot read or supplicate while another person is reciting the Qur'an, as it confuses me? I request Your Eminence to guide me, may Allah reward you with the best!

A: It is obligatory to recite Al-Fatihah when praying behind an Imam leading either Jahri or Sirri Salah (Prayer with subvocal recitation), even if he does not pause and starts reciting the other Surah immediately after the recitation of Al-Fatihah in Jahri Salah.

(Part No. 30; Page No. 154)

 This is based on the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): There is no Salah for the one who does not recite Umm-ul-Qur'an (the Mother of the Qur'an i.e. Al-Fatihah). [1] (Agreed upon its authenticity) Also, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to his Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet): 'Perhaps you recite behind your Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer)?' They said, 'Yes.' He (peace be upon him) said, 'Do not do that except for Fatihat-ul-Kitab (the Opening of the Book, i.e. Al-Fatihah); for there is no Salah for the one who does not recite it (in it).' [2] May Allah guide us all to obtain beneficial knowledge and act according to it.