One Who Is Unable to Recite al-Fatihah in Full Behind the Imam

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, a questioner says: If the one praying is unable to recite al-Fatihah in full with the imam, what does he do regarding the shortening in the ruling on reciting al-Fatihah in the secret and the loud prayers?

Answer:
He does nothing, praise be to Allah. If he is unable to recite al-Fatihah behind the imam, then the imam’s recitation is sufficient, and praise be to Allah. This is one of the benefits of the congregational prayer. If he is unable to do so, al-Fatihah is dropped from him, just as the takbir is dropped when bowing.
If he missed reciting al-Fatihah, and he bowed with the imam, his rak'ah is valid, and reciting al-Fatihah is dropped from him. This is based on the hadith of Abu Bakrah, where the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came to him while he was bowing, so he entered the prayer with him. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not order him to make up a rak'ah, nor did he say to him, “You did not recite al-Fatihah.” Reciting al-Fatihah, if it is possible behind the imam, if it is possible, then he should recite it to avoid the difference of opinion. And if it is not possible, then it is dropped from him, and the imam’s recitation is sufficient.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you