Is the follower (ma’mum) required to recite Surah Al-Fatihah behind the imam in the audible prayers (the first two rak‘ahs), or is it sufficient to just listen? And what about the rak‘ahs in which the imam recites silently (the last two rak‘ahs), is the follower required to recite Al-Fatihah in them as well?

Reciting Al-Fatiha is a pillar of prayer for every unit (rak'ah) for both the Imam and the person praying alone, 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 (Al-Fatiha)." As for the congregant (ma'mum) reciting Al-Fatiha behind the Imam in audible prayers, there are two opinions: The first obligates its recitation based on the generality of the hadith "There is no prayer for one who does not recite the Opening of the Book." The second opinion holds that the Imam's recitation suffices for the congregant, relying on the Almighty's saying: "And when the Qur'an is recited, listen to it and pay attention."

The preponderant opinion is that reciting Al-Fatiha is obligatory for the person praying alone, the Imam, and the congregant in both audible and silent prayers, with the general meaning of the verse about listening being specified by the hadith "There is no prayer for one who does not recite the Opening of the Book." The congregant should recite Al-Fatiha during the Imam's pauses, or while the Imam is reciting if he does not pause.