Is It Allowed to Recite Anything Behind the Imam? || Sheikh Assim Al Hakeem

Summary

In this video, the speaker addresses a common misconception about what a follower should recite while praying behind an imam. They argue against the claim that followers should remain silent during prayer, emphasizing that this idea contradicts both the Quran and Sunnah. The speaker highlights different scholarly opinions on the recitation of Al-Fatiha during silent and loud prayers, explaining the varying interpretations of scholars such as Abu Hanifa and Imam Malik. Ultimately, the speaker advocates for followers reciting Al-Fatiha during silent rakahs but following the imam during loud ones, while stressing the importance of understanding the foundations of these practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 A follower must recite certain phrases while praying behind an imam, but the extent of this recitation is a point of contention among scholars.
• 😀 Some people mistakenly believe that followers should recite nothing while praying behind the imam, but this view is incorrect and not supported by the Quran or Sunnah.
• 😀 The primary goal of scholars is not only to provide answers but also to teach people how to find answers for themselves through proper knowledge and understanding.
• 😀 The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made it clear that the role of the imam is to lead the prayer, and followers are expected to follow along and recite certain phrases when instructed.
• 😀 The claim that followers should remain silent during prayer is rejected, as the Sunnah teaches that followers should respond to the imam's actions, such as saying 'Ameen' after the recitation of Al-Fatiha.
• 😀 Scholars disagree on whether followers must recite Al-Fatiha behind the imam. The Hanafi school of thought forbids it, while other scholars, like Imam Malik, allow recitation under certain circumstances.
• 😀 According to the Hanafi school, followers must remain silent during both loud and silent rakahs and not recite Al-Fatiha or anything else.
• 😀 The opinion of Imam Malik (RA) is that followers should recite Al-Fatiha in silent rakahs but not in loud rakahs, as the imam's recitation suffices.
• 😀 If a follower wishes to recite Al-Fatiha after the imam has finished reciting it in a loud rakah, this is permissible, but they cannot recite anything other than Al-Fatiha during the prayer.
• 😀 There is a clear distinction between the roles of the imam, the individual praying alone, and the follower. The imam leads, the individual prays alone, and the follower follows the imam's actions and recitations.

Q & A

What is the main confusion regarding recitation during prayers behind an imam?

The confusion arises from whether followers should recite anything while praying behind an imam, with some people claiming that followers must remain silent, not even reciting the takbir.

What does the scholar suggest as the best way to address this confusion?

Instead of simply giving a direct answer, the scholar suggests teaching people how to 'fish'—that is, guiding them to learn the correct practice from the Quran and Sunnah, so they can independently understand the issue.

What is the scholar's view on those who claim that followers should not recite anything behind the imam?

The scholar calls this view 'ridiculous,' stating that there is no basis in the Quran or Sunnah that restricts followers from reciting during prayers behind the imam.

According to the Sunnah, what role does the imam play in the prayer?

The imam is meant to lead the prayer so that followers can follow him, as the prophet (PBUH) instructed people to say 'Allah Akbar' when the imam says it, indicating that followers are to engage in the prayer, not remain silent.

What dispute exists among scholars regarding the recitation of Al-Fatiha behind the imam?

The dispute revolves around whether a follower should recite Al-Fatiha during silent or loud raka. Some scholars, like those following Abu Hanifa, say followers should not recite Al-Fatiha at all, while others, like those following Imam Malik, argue followers should recite it in silent raka.

What is the view of those who follow Abu Hanifa on reciting Al-Fatiha behind the imam?

Those who follow Abu Hanifa believe that followers should not recite Al-Fatiha at all when praying behind an imam, whether the raka is loud or silent.

What do scholars following Imam Malik say about reciting Al-Fatiha behind the imam?

Scholars following Imam Malik suggest that followers must recite Al-Fatiha during silent raka, but may remain silent during loud raka when the imam recites it aloud. They also believe followers can recite another surah if there is enough time.

Is it allowed for a follower to recite anything other than Al-Fatiha when the imam is reciting in a loud raka?

No, it is prohibited for the follower to recite anything other than Al-Fatiha during a loud raka when the imam is already reciting aloud.

What should a follower do if they want to recite Al-Fatiha during a loud raka?

Although it is not required, a follower is permitted to recite Al-Fatiha quietly after the imam finishes his recitation, but they cannot recite anything else beyond that.

What does the scholar imply about blindly following a madhab or school of thought?

The scholar cautions against blindly following a madhab or school of thought without reference to the Quran and Sunnah, stressing that scholars must be knowledgeable of both, and not just follow traditions without understanding the core teachings.