Is it permissible to recite silently while the Imam is leading the congregational prayer?
It is legislated for the congregant to recite during prayers in which the Imam recites silently. In such prayers, the congregant should recite Al-Fatihah and a surah. As for audible prayers, the congregant should only recite Al-Fatihah silently and then listen attentively, based on the hadith of 'Ubādah ibn Al-Sāmit: "Do not do so except with the Opening of the Book (Al-Fatihah), for there is no prayer for one who does not recite it." And the hadith of Jābir: "We used to recite behind the Imam in the Dhuhr and Asr prayers, in the first two rak'ahs, Al-Fatihah and a surah, and in the latter two, Al-Fatihah."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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