Imaam bowing before the one led in prayer completed Al-Faatihah

14-1-2014 | IslamWeb

Question:

If the Imaam bows in the third Rak‘ah before I complete reciting Al-Faatihah, should I complete reciting it and then bow or bow without completing it? Thank you.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

Scholars held different opinions regarding the obligation of reciting Al-Faatihah from the part of the one being led in prayer. The most preponderant opinion is that it is obligatory on him if he is able to recite it. However, if he is unable to recite it, then he is not held accountable. Accordingly, if the Imaam bows, then whoever is being led by him has to follow him and bow and he is not obliged to remain (standing) until completing Al-Faatihah for the Imaam was appointed to be followed.

Allaah Knows best.