The Ruling on the Ma'mum Reciting al-Fatihah

Question:
The questioner: Please, if you would be so kind, give us a clear statement on the ruling regarding the recitation of al-Fatihah for the ma'mum (one praying behind the imam)?

Answer:
The correct view is that the ma'mum is required to recite al-Fatihah, but its obligation for him is less than its obligation for the imam and the one praying alone. For this reason, the majority of scholars held that it is not obligatory for the ma'mum, but it is avoided in the secret prayer and in the prayer behind the imam. However, the correct view is that it is required of him, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) al-Fatihah in the Book, which is a general statement. His saying (peace and blessings be upon him), "Perhaps you are reciting behind the imam?" We said, "Yes." He said, "Do not do so except with al-Fatihah of the Book, for there is no prayer for the one who does not recite it." This is explicit in that the ma'mum must recite it, and that there is no prayer without it. However, if he leaves it out due to forgetfulness or ignorance of the legal ruling, his prayer is valid, because its obligation for him is not like its obligation for the imam and the one praying alone. The evidence for this is that the one who catches up with the imam while he is bowing has his prayer completed, as in the hadith of Yikri al-Thaqafi in al-Bukhari (may Allah have mercy on him). He came while the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) then he entered the row, and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did not order him to repeat it. This indicates that the rak'ah was sufficient for him because he did not catch up with the standing or the recitation of al-Fatihah, so he was excused. Therefore, the one who forgot it or was ignorant of the legal ruling and followed those who do not make it obligatory is even more entitled to be excused from it, just as it was excused from the one who caught up with the imam while he was bowing, because he did not catch up with the standing. As for the one who catches up with the standing and is able to recite al-Fatihah, and he knows the legal ruling, he is required to recite it, acting in accordance with the scriptural evidence and to avoid the disagreement of the scholars (may Allah have mercy on them). May Allah reward you with good.