Hadith Text

"Allah's Messenger prayed the Subh prayer, and he had difficulty with the recitation. When turned (after finishing) he said: 'I think that you are reciting behind your Imam?'" He said: "We said: 'Yes, Messenger of Allah, by Allah!' He said: 'Do not do that, except for Umm Al-Kitab, for there is no Salat for one who does not recite it.'"

Source Reference

The Book on Salat (Prayer) - Jami' at-Tirmidhi - Hadith 311

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes a fundamental ruling regarding recitation behind the Imam in congregational prayer. The Prophet ﷺ observed that the companions were reciting aloud during his recitation, which caused difficulty in his own recitation.

The prohibition applies to reciting anything beyond Al-Fatihah (Umm Al-Kitab) when the Imam is reciting aloud in prayers where audible recitation is prescribed. This includes Fajr, first two rak'ahs of Maghrib and 'Isha, and Jumu'ah and Eid prayers.

The exception "except for Umm Al-Kitab" indicates the obligatory nature of reciting Surah Al-Fatihah in every rak'ah, as emphasized by the severe warning: "there is no Salat for one who does not recite it." This demonstrates that Al-Fatihah is a pillar (rukn) of the prayer.

Classical scholars differ on whether the follower should recite Al-Fatihah silently behind the Imam in audible prayers. The majority position is that they should recite it during the Imam's pauses, while the Malikis hold that the Imam's recitation suffices for the followers.

Practical Rulings

• In prayers with audible recitation, followers should not recite aloud with the Imam

• Recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah remains obligatory for every worshipper

• The Imam should ensure clear recitation without competition from followers

• This ruling preserves the proper order and reverence of congregational prayer