Is the rak'ah counted for someone who caught the Imam while he was bowing and bowed with him, without reciting Al-Fatihah?
Whoever catches the Imam bowing and bows with him, that raka'ah is counted for him according to the majority of scholars, even if he did not recite Al-Fatihah. This is indicated by the hadith of Abu Bakrah, who bowed before reaching the صف (row), and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said to him: "May Allah increase you in eagerness, but do not repeat it." It has been authentically reported from Ibn Mas'ud, Ibn 'Umar, and others statements that confirm this. This is the correct view that Al-Shafi'i and the majority of scholars have stipulated, which is supported by the hadiths and agreed upon by the people.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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