Does the prayer of a congregant become void if he deliberately delays following the imam into bowing in order to complete reading Al-Fatiha, believing that the imam does not bear the responsibility of reciting it on his behalf?

The preponderant opinion is that it is obligatory to recite Al-Fatihah in every rak'ah for the Imam, the follower, and the one praying alone. If the follower catches the Imam in ruku' (bowing), the recitation of Al-Fatihah is waived for him, and the rak'ah is counted.

If the follower catches the Imam standing, and the Imam bows before the follower completes the recitation of Al-Fatihah, there are two opinions:

1. He bows with him, and the rak'ah is sufficient for him. A group of scholars adopt this opinion. 2. He completes the recitation of Al-Fatihah, then bows and joins the Imam. This is what the text (of the hadith) preponderates, and his delay is excused by three pillars (of prayer).

The prayer of the follower is not invalidated unless he delays behind the Imam by more than three pillars.