The Book of Prayers - Sahih Muslim 394 c

This narration establishes the fundamental obligation of reciting Surah al-Fatihah (Umm al-Qur'an) in every rak'ah of the obligatory prayer. The severe wording "is not credited with having observed prayer" indicates that the prayer becomes invalid without its recitation, according to the majority of scholars.

Exegesis of Umm al-Qur'an

The title "Umm al-Qur'an" (Mother of the Qur'an) signifies its comprehensive nature containing all fundamental principles of faith: praise of Allah, His lordship, mercy, mastery of the Day of Judgment, worship, seeking help, guidance to the straight path, and distinction between those who received divine favor and those who earned wrath.

This comprehensive quality makes it indispensable in prayer, serving as the essence of communication between the servant and the Lord during salah.

Juridical Ruling

The consensus of the four Sunni schools of jurisprudence holds that reciting al-Fatihah is obligatory (fard) in every rak'ah for both the imam and individual worshiper. The Hanafi school considers it wajib (necessary) rather than fard, though its omission still invalidates the prayer.

The recitation must be audible to oneself in silent prayers and audible to others where required. One must recite it in order, without prolonged interruption between verses.

Spiritual Dimensions

The hadith emphasizes that prayer without al-Fatihah lacks spiritual substance, as this chapter constitutes the essential dialogue in salah. Through it, the worshiper affirms divine unity, seeks guidance, and establishes the proper relationship with the Creator.

Ibn al-Qayyim notes that al-Fatihah contains the greatest secret of the Qur'an - the perfect balance between praising Allah and seeking human needs, between divine transcendence and intimate supplication.