Why is the recitation made audible in the Maghrib, 'Isha', and Fajr prayers, but not in the other obligatory prayers, and what is the evidence for this?
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The questioner : The questioner, Hamdi, an Egyptian resident in Riyadh, asks: Why is the recitation made audible in the Maghrib, 'Isha', and Fajr prayers, but not in the other obligatory prayers, and what is the evidence? May Allah reward you.
The Shaykh : As for the evidence of the imam making the recitation audible in these three prayers, it is too well-known to be mentioned. The Sunnah is widespread and famous in this regard: the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to make the recitation audible in the first two rak'ahs of Maghrib and 'Isha', and likewise in Fajr.
As for the wisdom behind this, and Allah knows best, it is because it is a night prayer, and it is appropriate for the imam and the ma'mum to coordinate in it, as this may be more reverent for the heart and more effective for unity and agreement. For this reason, making the recitation audible is prescribed in the daytime prayers when there is a large gathering, such as the Jumu'ah prayer, the two 'Id prayers, and the eclipse prayer. I say the eclipse prayer because it is better for the people to gather behind a single imam in it, as in the Jumu'ah prayer. So if the people gathered in the mosques for the eclipse prayer, it would be more fitting and better. Yes.
The Shaykh : As for the evidence of the imam making the recitation audible in these three prayers, it is too well-known to be mentioned. The Sunnah is widespread and famous in this regard: the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to make the recitation audible in the first two rak'ahs of Maghrib and 'Isha', and likewise in Fajr.
As for the wisdom behind this, and Allah knows best, it is because it is a night prayer, and it is appropriate for the imam and the ma'mum to coordinate in it, as this may be more reverent for the heart and more effective for unity and agreement. For this reason, making the recitation audible is prescribed in the daytime prayers when there is a large gathering, such as the Jumu'ah prayer, the two 'Id prayers, and the eclipse prayer. I say the eclipse prayer because it is better for the people to gather behind a single imam in it, as in the Jumu'ah prayer. So if the people gathered in the mosques for the eclipse prayer, it would be more fitting and better. Yes.