What is the ruling on intentionally not completing a word from Al-Fatiha in order to follow the imam in rukoo‘ (bowing), and is that considered a clear mistake (laḥn jalī)?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The preferred view is that the follower (ma'mum) must complete reading Al-Fatiha even if the Imam bows before the follower finishes it. If the follower bows before completing it, we hope that there is no need for him to repeat the prayer. However, if the follower intentionally omits a letter from Al-Fatiha in order to catch up with the Imam, his prayer is invalid if he were praying alone. But we hope that he does not need to repeat it, out of consideration for the view of those who do not deem reading (Al-Fatiha) obligatory for the follower.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/189987
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 189987
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy