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It is not permissible for one who is praying behind an imaam to recite anything other than al-Faatihah

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Publication : 07-10-2001

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Question

Is it permissible for one who is praying behind the imaam to recite Qur’aan along with the imaam, when the imaam is reciting a lengthy passage?

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

It is not permissible for one who is praying behind the imaam in a prayer in which Qur’aan is to be recited aloud to recite anything in addition to al-Faatihah. Rather after that he has to listen to the imaam’s recitation (i.e., after reciting al-Faatihah), because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Perhaps you recite behind your imaam?” They said, “Yes,” He said, “Do not do that, except for the Opening of the Book (al-Faatihah), for there is no prayer for the one who does not recite it.” And because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“So, when the Qur’aan is recited, listen to it, and be silent that you may receive mercy”[al-A’raaf 7:204]

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When the imaam recites, then listen attentively.” 

The only exception made to that is with regard to al-Faatihah, because of the hadeeth quoted above and because of the general meaning of the hadeeth, “There is no prayer for the one who does not recite the Opening of the Book.” (Saheeh, agreed upon). 

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Source: Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz from Kitaab Fataawa Islamiyyah, vol. 1, p. 291