Is it obligatory to make up the missed portion of Al-Fatiha for someone who joined the Imam late and did not complete it before his bowing?
If the Imam bows while the ma'mum (follower) is still reciting Surat al-Fatihah, the Shafi'i madhhab (school of thought) obligates the ma'mum to complete the recitation of whatever part of al-Fatihah he missed if he was preoccupied with the opening supplication (du'a al-istiftah) or seeking refuge (ta'awwudh). However, if he was not preoccupied with either of these, he should bow, and the remaining part of al-Fatihah is waived for him. Some Shafi'i scholars are of the opinion that this ruling applies only to one who is aware of the issue, whereas the ignorant person is excused. The madhhab of the majority of scholars is that al-Fatihah is waived for the ma'mum, and the ma'mum may follow this opinion, and his prayer will be valid.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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