Reciting behind the imam

In a congregational prayer, it is not permissible for the person following the Imam (muqtadi) to recite Surah al-Fatihah or any other Surah behind the Imam, whether the prayer is one in which the recitation is audible or one in which it is silent. Therefore, in Fajr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers, the muqtadi should remain silent while the Imam is reciting. Likewise, in Zuhr and Asr prayers, the muqtadi should not recite Surah al-Fatihah or any other Surah on his own. The Imam’s recitation is sufficient on behalf of the muqtadi.

Allah Almighty says:

وَإِذَا قُرِئَ الْقُرْآنُ فَاسْتَمِعُوا لَهُ وَأَنْصِتُوا لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ

(Al-A‘raf: 204)

Translation: “And when the Qur’an is recited, then listen to it and remain silent, so that you may be shown mercy.”

Likewise, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said regarding following the Imam:

إِنَّمَا جُعِلَ الْإِمَامُ لِيُؤْتَمَّ بِهِ، فَإِذَا كَبَّرَ فَكَبِّرُوا، وَإِذَا قَرَأَ فَأَنْصِتُوا

Translation: “The Imam has only been appointed to be followed. Therefore, when he says the Takbir, say the Takbir, and when he recites, remain silent.”

There is also a narration:

مَنْ كَانَ لَهُ إِمَامٌ فَقِرَاءَةُ الْإِمَامِ لَهُ قِرَاءَةٌ

Translation: “Whoever has an Imam, the recitation of the Imam is his recitation.”

Therefore, the muqtadi should not recite either Surah al-Fatihah or any other Surah behind the Imam. However, it is Sunnah to recite the Thana (opening supplication) at the beginning of the prayer; thereafter, he should remain silent while the Imam recites.

And Allah knows best.