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What is the expiation for missing the opening Takbir (Takbirat al-Ihram) in congregation? And does the Imam vocalize the Basmala (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful) in Al-Fatiha and other surahs, and should the worshiper (Ma'mum) repeat Al-Fatiha behind the Imam or listen silently?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Catching the opening Takbir (Takbirat al-Ihram) with the Imam is recommended due to its great virtue, and there is no specific expiation for one who misses it. As for reciting the Basmalah aloud in prayer, there is a difference of opinion among scholars, and similarly regarding the congregant's recitation of Al-Fatihah behind the Imam. The most preponderant opinion is that it is obligatory to recite it during the Imam's pauses.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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