Is it obligatory for the worshipper (ma'mum) to recite the Fatiha if the imam does not give him enough time to recite it in the obligatory prayer?

Scholars differ regarding the obligation of reciting Al-Fatihah for the congregant (ma'mum). The preponderant view is that it is obligatory for him, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "There is no prayer for one who does not recite the Opening of the Book (Fatihat al-Kitab)," and his saying: "Do not do so except with the Opening of the Book, for there is no prayer for one who does not recite the Opening of the Book."

This applies when the recitation is silent (sirr), and also when it is audible (jahr) if the imam pauses. If the imam does not pause, then the congregant listens attentively to his imam's recitation, and the recitation of Al-Fatihah is dropped for him according to many scholars, based on Allah's (the Most High) saying: "And when the Qur'an is recited, listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy" (Al-A'raf: 204), and the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Indeed, the imam is appointed to be followed, so when he says Allahu Akbar, then say Allahu Akbar, and when he recites, then listen attentively."

Another group holds that if the congregant is unable to recite Al-Fatihah during the imam's pauses, then he should recite it silently, and it is never dropped for him due to the generality of the proofs.

Consequently, there is no blame upon whoever adopts the view that he finds most preponderant among the two opinions.